Ethics Terminologies

Impartiality

Impartiality means treating everyone equally without any bias or favoritism, irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, region, or political affiliation. Civil servants must serve the people and the Constitution — not any group, party, or ideology.

·         Example: A District Collector ensures fair distribution of disaster relief materials to all affected villagers, regardless of whether they supported the ruling party or opposition.

Non-partisanship

Non-partisanship means not being aligned with any political party or ideology in official duties. Impartiality is broader — about fairness to all. Non-partisanship is specifically about not supporting any political party.

·         Example: An IAS officer does not show preference to a particular political leader while implementing government schemes, even if that leader helped in the officer’s posting.

Objectivity

Objectivity means making decisions based on facts, rules, and evidence, not on personal emotions, prejudices, or external pressure. It ensures fair and transparent governance, especially in recruitment, law enforcement, and decision-making.

·         Example: While selecting candidates for a government job, the officer chooses based on merit and qualifications, not on who referred the candidate.

Politicization of Bureaucracy

It refers to a situation where political leaders interfere in the day-to-day functioning, decision-making, or independence of civil servants (IAS, IPS, IRS, etc.) — which affects the neutrality and efficiency of governance.  It undermines democracy and fairness. Citizens lose trust in the administration. It reduces the independence and effectiveness of civil servants.

Example: An MLA pressuring a Block Development Officer to approve fake beneficiaries in a rural housing scheme.