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NewsDecode | Polity and Governance | Mains Paper 2: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues Arising from Implementation
For Students:
From a UPSC perspective, focus on:
Mains level: Ethics in public administration; Role of civil services; Constitutional values and secularism.
Prelims level: Functions and role of IAS, All India Services conduct rules, Constitutional provisions regarding secularism.
Why in the News?
An IAS officer in Kerala has been suspended over allegations of creating WhatsApp groups with communal undertones, which reportedly led to “communal formations and alignments” among the cadres. This incident raises critical questions about public conduct and ethics in administration and highlights the importance of secularism and neutrality in civil services.
Background:
Role of Civil Services: The All India Services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), function as impartial implementers of government policies and are responsible for maintaining administrative neutrality.
Conduct Rules: The All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, prohibit officers from activities that may harm the unity and integrity of India or show discrimination based on religion, caste, or community.
Secularism in the Constitution: Articles 25-28 guarantee freedom of religion, and the civil service is expected to embody the secular values of the Constitution, acting without bias towards any religious or communal group.
Key Issues Raised:
Secularism and Public Service: