Civil Service Activism to Ensure Ethical Governance



Published on 25 Nov 2025

  • Whistleblower Protection Mechanisms: Civil service activists can advocate for strong whistleblower protection laws and mechanisms within government agencies. 

    • Example: Indian civil servant Sanjiv Chaturvedi uncovered corruption at AIIMS, sparking calls for enhanced whistleblower protection laws in India, leading to the 2014 Whistleblowers Protection Act.

  • Ethics Training and Education: Promoting ethics training and education within civil service institutions helps raise awareness about ethical principles and dilemmas. 

    • Example: LBSNAA imparts ethics training to civil servants. Activists for civil service advocate bolstering ethics education in India’s training institutions.

  • Independent Oversight Bodies: Advocacy for the establishment and strengthening of independent oversight bodies, such as ombudsman offices or anti-corruption agencies, is essential. 

    • Example: Civil service activists have pushed for strengthening the CVC’s authority and resources to enhance its ability to combat corruption and unethical conduct.

  • Transparency: Civil service activists can push for transparency and open data initiatives that make government actions, spending, and decision-making processes accessible to the public. 

    • Example: E. Sreedharan, the “Metro Man of India,” set ethical benchmarks with his commitment to transparency, accountability, and timely projects.

  • Strengthening Codes of Conduct: Promoting robust codes of conduct and ethics in civil service organizations is imperative for activists, with ongoing updates and enforcement.

    • Example: Civil service activists have advocated for updates to the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, which govern the ethical conduct of civil servants. 

Tags:
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

Keywords:
Civil Service Activism to Ensure Ethical Governance Civil Service Activism Ethical Governance

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 4

Topics:
Public Service Values

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