UPSC Ethics Simplified : As Divya Mittal resigns from IAS, 3 ethical questions on public service

Divya Mittal, an experienced IAS officer, recently resigned after a 13-year tenure in the civil services. In her announcement, she expressed a sense of gratitude for the opportunities she had received, acknowledging that her debt to the service had only grown deeper. Her resignation prompts reflection on the essence of public service and the ethical responsibilities of civil servants.

Public service extends beyond merely executing administrative functions. It involves empathy, responsibility, and a deep understanding of the human impact of one's decisions. Divya Mittal's work in Mirzapur, where she ensured the provision of piped water to Lahuria Dah village, exemplifies this aspect of public service. Her approach turned a routine administrative task into a matter of responsibility, highlighting the significance of recognising the person behind every scheme or complaint.

The article presents three ethical questions to consider:

1. What defines a good officer? Is ethical conduct merely about adhering to rules, or does it require empathy, responsibility, courage, and a commitment to acting in the right direction?

2. Can a single officer transform the entire system? While one officer cannot single-handedly transform a system, individuals can have a profound impact by embodying the values behind public service rules.

3. How can an officer balance their duty to institutional rules with their moral conscience when faced with decisions that conflict with their sense of public duty?

Divya Mittal's resignation invites us to reflect on these questions and the broader implications of public service. It underscores the importance of connecting with citizens and recognizing the human consequences of public decisions. The ethical character of a civil servant is crucial, as they often represent a promise to the people, offering hope and solutions to their problems. This story serves as a reminder that good governance requires more than good rules; it demands individuals who embody the values they uphold.