Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations. UPSC IAS Mains 2022 General Studies (Paper – 4)
Competencies are the skills, knowledge and behaviors that lead to successful performance of civil servants. Intellectual competencies help in achieving objectivity and cooperation whereas moral qualities help in building character and ensures ethical governance.
Desirable competencies of civil servants
- Seeing the big picture.
- Changing and improving.
- Making effective decisions.
- Leading by example and clear communication.
- Collaborating and partnering.
- Building capabilities for all.
- Achieving commercial outcomes.
- Delivering quality services.
- Value for money.
- Delivering at pace.
Empathy refers to the ability to imagine oneself in other’s place and understand others’ feeling, desires, ideas, objectives and actions.
Compassion refers to a step further, where a person not only feels empathy but also a desire to help alleviate the suffering of the other person. Thus, the emphasis here is on the action and willingness to help.
Role of empathy and compassion in governance:
- Provides a sense of kinship and concern.
- Induces belongingness with citizens.
- Enables us to better understand how others are feeling so we can respond appropriately in various situations.
- Ensures that the public servants act sensitively and interpret the rules so as to advance public interest.
- Essential quality of administration in welfare state.
Civil servants who have shown exceptional empathy and compassion – Shri. P Narhari transformed Gwalior into a barrier free and disabled friendly city. Armstrong Pame- built Peoples Road. Compassionate Kozhikode Operation Suleimani to feed to poor by Prasanth Nair. Wall of kindness to provide useful goods to needy. Dharmveer Jakhad has made aapni pathshala to help the children of migrant labor in education.
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