Question.
What are the seven principles of public life? Are they codes of conduct for Civil Servants? Evaluate. (UPPSC 2019)
Answer.
The seven principles of public life are also known as the Nolan principles, which were first identified by the UK Committee on Standards in public life in 1995. The following are seven principles –
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Objectivity
- Accountability
- Selflessness
- Openness
- Leadership
Integrity; Public servants should be honest and truthful in their thought, behaviors, and actions. Public servants should maintain high ethical standards in both private and public life.
Honesty; Public servants should be truthful in their actions and all communication with the public. Public servants should not knowingly mislead the information or not withhold information.
Objectivity; Public servants should make decisions based on the evidence and not be based on influences or prejudice or biases.
Accountability; Public servants are accountable for their actions and decisions to the public and government. They should justify their decision when needed.
Selflessness; Public servants should always act in the public interest, not for personal gains or advantages.
Openness; Public servants should be transparent and open about their decisions, they should provide reasons for them.
Leadership; Public servants should lead the public and organizations by example and promote the principles of public life in all their actions and decisions.
These seven principles are often used in the code of conduct for civil servants in most democratic countries including India.
These seven principles act as guiding principles to guide their ethical behaviors and ensure that they act in the public interest. However, effectiveness depends on the willingness of public servants to adhere to them.
These principles are also used as measuring the performance of public servants.
However, these principles are too vague and lack the teeth to hold public officials accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the name of seven principles are Integrity, honesty, objectivity, accountability, openness, selflessness, and leadership; that is work as a code of conduct for public servants.
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