Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission

2nd Administrative Reforms Commission has suggested the inclusion of the following principles in the Code of Ethics for civil servants in India: 

  • Integrity: Civil servants should be guided solely by public interest in their official decision making and not by any financial or other consideration either in respect of themselves, their families or their friends. 

  • Impartiality: Civil servants in carrying out their official work, including functions like procurement, recruitment, delivery of services etc, should take decisions based on merit alone. 

  • Commitment to public service: Civil servants should deliver services in a fair, effective, impartial and courteous manner. 

  • Open accountability: Civil servants are accountable for their decisions and actions and should be willing to subject themselves to appropriate scrutiny for this purpose. 

  • Devotion to duty: Civil servants maintain absolute and unstinting devotion towards their duties and responsibilities at all times. 

  • Exemplary behavior: Civil servants shall treat all members of the public with respect and courtesy and, at all times, should behave in a manner that upholds the rich traditions of the civil services. 

The Conduct Rules need to be completely redrawn based on the values and code of ethics as suggested above. The recommendations regarding the ‘Civil Services Values’ and the ‘Code of Ethics’ would have to be incorporated in the proposed Civil Services Bill.