The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss. (2024, 10 Marks)

Paper	GS Paper 2
Word Limit	150 words
Syllabus Topic	Governance – Transparency and Accountability; Role of Civil Services

Model Answer

Democratic governance rests on public trust. Citizens obey laws and use services willingly when they believe officials are honest and committed. As the saying goes, justice must not only be done but be seen to be done.

Why Positive Perception Matters

• Legitimacy: Trust gives moral authority to the State.
• Cooperation: People pay taxes and join schemes like vaccination drives.
• Participation: Citizens share grievances and feedback.
• Breaks the cycle: Low trust breeds bribes and shortcuts.

What Hurts Perception

• Corruption cases, red tape, apathy and political bias.

Measures

• RTI Act, 2005, Citizen’s Charters and social audit.
• Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 for quick action on corruption.
• Mission Karmayogi (2020) for citizen-centric capacity building.
• Code of ethics as suggested by the 2nd ARC; Nolan Principles of public life.

Conclusion

Integrity, transparency and empathy turn civil servants into trusted servants of the people. Public trust is the real capital of democratic governance.

Related PYQs

• Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people. (2017)
• In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India. (2016)

Also read: CAG: legality and propriety (GS2 2024) and Constitutional morality for public servants (GS4 2025)