Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister of independent India, addressed the probationers of the administrative services in 1947. In his address at Delhi’s Metcalf House, Patel delivered a very important message for civil servants, “India’s steel frame”. What was Sardar Patel’s message to civil servants in 1947 which is valid even today? Let’s know.
Relevance: Use it for value addition in your essay, GS II-Role of Civil Services in Democracy, GS IV Ethics, Personality Test. Understand what it means to be a civil servant of independent India and what their code of conduct should be. Apart from this, it can also be taken as a motivational speech in your journey of civil services exam preparation and beyond that as a good and moral citizen.
According to Sardar Patel, how was the change in the nature of civil service significant with the independence of India in 1947?
According to Sardar Patel, the days of the old style Indian Civil Service have been replaced by the All India Administrative Service. This change is both important and epoch-making in many ways:
1. This was a sure sign of the transfer of power that took place from foreign to Indian hands.
2. It marked the opening of the All India Service consisting entirely of Indian officers and completely under Indian control.
3. The service was free to adopt its true role of national service without being influenced by the traditions and habits of the past.
Sardar Patel mainly noted the importance of this change to send a strong message to civil servants and the outside world that “the days when foreigners could be masters and officers should be guided by a genuine sense of service in their work”. day-to-day administration, because in no other way can they fit into the scheme of things.”
What was the popular saying about the civil service during the British period that Sardar Patel reminded his listeners and readers?
Patel reminded his listeners and readers a saying about the civil services of the British era, which came to be known as the Indian Civil Services. That it is neither Indian nor citizen, nor imbued with the spirit of service. Patel argued that it was correct to assume that the civil services of colonial times were not Indian because Indian civil servants were mostly British. Civil servants were then trained abroad and had to serve foreign masters.
“Therefore, in fact the entire service was not considered Indian, nor civil, nor imbued with the spirit of service, and yet it was known as the Indian Civil Service.” With independence the situation was about to change.
According to Patel, why were the civil servants of independent India more fortunate than in the colonial era?
According to Patel, the predecessor of Swatantra Civil servants of India had to act as agents of a foreign rule, Sometimes they even had to act against their better judgment and “execute the bidding” of their foreign employers. Congratulating the civil servants of independent India, he said that they will be satisfied that whatever they do, they will do it under the orders of their own fellow Indians.
British-era bureaucrats “He was brought up in a tradition in which he felt out of touch and isolated himself from the general section of the people. It would be your ultimate duty to treat the common man in India as your own or to put it correctly Feel yourself one of them and one of them and you have to learn not to despise or disregard them. Patel said.
What should be the important characteristics of a civil servant of independent India according to Patel?
1. It should be the duty of the civil servants to treat the common man in India as their own.
2. The civil servants of independent India have to adapt themselves to democratic methods of administration.
3. Civil servants should be disciplined.
Why did Sardar Patel mention Esprit de corps?
A civil servant must cultivate esprit de corps, It means having a shared sense of pride among the members of the team or group. Without it, this kind of service has no meaning. A civil servant should regard the service as a proud privilege, given the covenants you will sign, and to maintain it throughout his service. Dignity, integrity and indestructibility.
According to Sardar Patel, what is expected of civil servants when India faces difficult situations?
Patel cautioned civil servants that in adverse and difficult circumstances, India should expect – and India has the right to expect – the best from every civil servant in India, “He or she may be in any position of responsibility”. He emphasized on the fact that it is not for a civil servant to approach his work and work purely from a mercenary angle or purely from selfishness, no matter how enlightened he may be. The most important consideration for a civil servant should be “How best to contribute to the good of India as a whole”.
What did Patel have to say about civil servant and government relations?
According to Patel, a civil servant can rely on the government to keep him satisfied and happy so that it can give his best, “But it will not be eligible to you if you make it a condition of service”, Today’s government will fully appreciate and realize the importance of an officer’s work.
“Sometimes they may make you feel a lack of sympathy, but I don’t think there is anyone in the highest responsible post in India who doesn’t feel that he should take the service with him if he has to contribute the maximum possible to the well.” India has to be given.”
Why is integrity necessary for civil services according to Sardar Patel?
Patel advises civil servants to maintain maximum fairness and indestructibility Of administration.
,A civil servant cannot and should not take part in politics. Nor should they involve themselves in communal clashes, To deviate from the path of integrity in either of these two respects is to bring down the civil service and reduce its dignity. Similarly, no service worth the name can claim to exist if it does not take into account the achievement of the highest standard of integrity. ,
What was Sardar Patel’s big message to the civil servants of independent India?
Patel had a big message about Code of conduct of a civil servant.
Patel unhappily accepted that India could not claim an indestructible service, But he hoped that a new generation of bureaucrats would not be misled by the black sheep in the sheepfold. They will serve without any fear. Such service shall be construed without the expectation of any external reward.
The future of the civil service will depend on the foundations and traditions laid down by the civil servants, their character and abilities and their spirit of service.
They should look towards their future with confidence and confidence. If they serve in the true spirit of service, they will get the best reward.
“Therefore, I would ask you to dedicate yourself to your studies, being fully conscious of the responsibilities and opportunities that await you, and receive instruction from what you listen to with a humble heart.”
key takeaways
—A civil servant must cultivate esprit de corps.
Patel unhappily accepted that India could not boast of an indestructible service, but he hoped that the new generation of bureaucrats would not be misled by the black sheep.
A civil servant cannot and should not take part in politics. Nor should they involve themselves in communal clashes.
The government should keep the civil servant happy and should not impose conditions of service.
—The most important consideration for a civil servant should be “How best to contribute to the good of India as a whole”.
(Source: The Collected Works of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Volume XII)
Point to consider: A civil servant cannot afford to participate in politics. Discuss throwing light on the important values in civil services.