UPSC Mains 2024 GS2 Q8: model answer
The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.
What the question wants
Why public trust in civil servants matters in democracy and how to build it.
How to structure it
Intro: In a democracy, power belongs to the people. Body: (1) Why public perception matters; (2) Problems; (3) Measures. Conclusion: Trust is earned case by case.
- 1(1) Why public perception matters
- 2(2) Problems
- 3(3) Measures
Model answer
In a democracy, power belongs to the people. Civil servants exercise it on their behalf, so they must be seen as honest and committed, not merely be so.
Why public perception matters
- Legitimacy: people follow rules they trust.
- Cooperation: citizens share information and join programmes like vaccination drives.
- Reduces corruption: if honesty is the norm, bribery becomes abnormal.
- Protects neutrality: a trusted service can resist political pressure.
Problems
- Corruption cases, red tape and rude behaviour at counters.
- Perception of politicisation through transfers.
- Low responsiveness to grievances.
Measures
- Transparency: RTI, proactive disclosure, e-office.
- Time-bound services under Right to Services laws.
- Fixed tenure and civil services boards (T.S.R. Subramanian, 2013).
- Training in ethics and empathy (Mission Karmayogi).
- Examples of honest officers recognised publicly.
Trust is earned case by case. Every courteous, honest interaction adds to the credibility of the State.
Keywords, cases and data to drop in
legitimacy integrity RTI T.S.R. Subramanian 2013 Mission Karmayogi
Where most answers lose marks
- Not explaining why perception matters.
Fresh examples from current affairs
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19 Oct 2026Learn the concept
Question text as printed in the official UPSC question paper: https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/QP_CSM_2024_GenStud_II_03102024.pdf The model answer is original Battle IAS work; use it to learn structure, not to memorise.