7. Impartiality

                                                           Impartiality

"The measure of a true leader is their ability to set aside personal biases and act with impartiality."

In a small village nestled amidst the lush green fields and rivers of India, there lived a farmer named Ravi. One day, Ravi was attacked by the farmers of the neighboring land over a land dispute. Injured and terrified, Ravi went to the local police station to file a complaint and seek justice.

The police, disregarding Ravi's injuries and his plea for help, were instead prepared to file a complaint against Ravi himself. Succumbing to the wealth and influence of those who had attacked him, the police treated Ravi with negligence.

The incidents like these highlight the need for impartiality in public administration.

What is Impartiality?

                      

Importance of Impartiality in Public Administration

There are numerous benefits to adhering to impartiality in public administration. Some of the key benefits are as follows:

                    

 

 

Citizen Trust

Impartiality fosters citizen trust in the government. Citizens are more likely to participate and cooperate with a government that they perceive as fair and impartial in its functioning.

• For example, a fair and impartial voting process in elections helps to increase public trust in the election results.

Efficient and Effective Governance

Impartiality enables government institutions to function more efficiently and effectively. In the absence of bias and corruption, government resources can be utilized more effectively, and policies and programs can be implemented more efficiently.

• For instance, an impartial process when awarding tenders for projects helps to select competent contractors who deliver high-quality work.

Social Justice and Equality

Impartiality helps to ensure social justice and equality for all citizens. Equal opportunities and services are provided to everyone, without discrimination against any group.

• For example, an impartial process in the recruitment process helps to select the most qualified candidates, regardless of their caste, gender, or other factors.

Sustainable Development

In a just and equitable society, people have greater opportunities to reach their full potential and develop economically and socially. This leads to long-term economic growth, social progress, and sustainable development.

• For instance, providing equal access to education and healthcare helps to create a productive workforce and strengthen the overall economy of a country.

Peace and Stability

People have greater trust and satisfaction in a government that provides justice and equality to all citizens, without discrimination against any group. This reduces the risk of social unrest and conflict.

• For example, having a fair legal system helps to reduce crime rates and instill a sense of security among the public.

 

Lady Justice, with her blindfold tight,

Sees not wealth, nor power, nor might

Impartiality, her guiding hand,

Ensuring equity across the land

                                 The Consequences of Lack of Impartiality

                      

·         Lack of Impartiality can lead to injustice by denying certain individuals access to employment, education, housing, and other opportunities.

·         It can also lead to social discrimination by restricting access to opportunities and resources for certain communities and groups.

·         When people experience bias and injustice, they may lose trust in institutions and authorities.

·         Bias and injustice can lead to protests, riots, and other forms of social unrest.

·         Bias and corruption can undermine the effectiveness of government and reduce the quality of public services.

·         Bias can weaken economic development and social progress.

"Impartiality is not just a virtue; it's a gateway to trust and integrity."

 

             Challenges faced by Civil Servants in upholding Impartiality

   

                       

Political pressure

·         Sometimes, civil servants are subjected to pressure from politicians or other influential individuals to favor their own interests or violate laws. This can create a moral conflict and make it difficult for civil servants to fulfill their duties.

Lack of awareness

·         Some civil servants may not be adequately aware of the Codes of conduct and the importance of civil service values. This can lead to mistakes and violations of impartiality.

Inadequate training and resources

·         Sometimes, civil servants are not given the proper training and resources they need to do their jobs effectively. This can lead to bias.

Workload

·         Civil servants are often overloaded with work and do not have enough time to complete their work carefully and accurately. This can lead to errors in judgment.

Harassment from the public

·         Sometimes, civil servants are harassed or abused by disgruntled members of the public, which can make it difficult for them to do their jobs and be impartial.

Some measures taken by the Government of India to strengthen impartiality

Laws and institutions:

• Strong anti-corruption laws such as the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 have been enacted.
• The Lokpal and Lokayukta institutions have been created, which have the power to investigate and take action against complaints of political and administrative corruption.
• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and State Anti-Corruption Bureaus (ACBs) have been set up to investigate corruption cases.

Processes and systems

·         Online services and digital systems have been implemented, which reduce the scope for bribery and corruption.

• Reforms have been made to make government procurement and tender processes more transparent and accountable.
• Rules of conduct have been implemented for government officials.

Measures to develop impartiality at the individual level

              

 

Measures to be taken to promote impartiality in public administration

                        

• Technology can help to increase transparency, strengthen accountability, and identify bias.
• People should have easy access to information about government records, decisions, and expenditures.
• Public participation in the process of lawmaking and other important decisions should be encouraged.
• Establishing and strengthening independent auditing bodies to prevent misuse and corruption.
• Providing adequate authority and independence to institutions like Lokpal and Lokayukta.
• Raising awareness about bias and discrimination. For example, conducting public awareness campaigns.
• Clearly defining who is accountable for each decision and action.
• Providing quality training and professional development opportunities to government employees.
• Developing global standards for anti-corruption laws and regulations. Countries can work together to learn from each other and share effective practices.

Impartiality is the cornerstone of any successful society. Promoting impartiality in public administration is a crucial step towards building a just, prosperous, and sustainable society. This goal can be achieved by governments, civil society organizations, and individuals working together.

 

In the heart of impartiality,

Lies the seed of true equality.

No prejudice, no favoritism's hold,

Just fairness, pure and bold.