Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words).(UPSC IAS Mains 2021 General Studies Paper – 4)
- Impartiality is a norm of justice holding that decisions should be based on objective standards instead of on the basis of bias, prejudice or preferring the benefit to one person over another for unsuitable reasons. Non-partisanship means non-disposition towards any political party, i.e., to exhibit political neutrality. It is the process of not being involved in any political party even if the person has strong faith in any political thought.
- Impartiality brings along objectivity. For example, while allocating funds, an impartial civil servant would not favour his/her own village but allocate funds based on the needs. In a diverse country like India, minority voices can be suppressed if the civil servant becomes partial towards the majority for vested interests. Civil servants have to safeguard the minorities.
- Non-partisanship ensures a neutral approach in politics and a solid commitment to the government. A non-partisan civil servant holds the Constitution in high regard. To illustrate, any political pressure to favour a group would be handled only if the civil servant is impartial all along. Non-partisanship also offers that an officer has to do his/her task without any fear of or favour to any political party. For example, during elections, non-partisanship will help a DM/DC in discharging the duties of a Returning Office effectively.
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