How should a civil servant conduct himself?

Civil Services- the backbone of the administrative system- the most glamorous position in the society, with power, prestige and authority, is the dream of every man, no matter, rich or poor, learned or novice. Herman Finer has defined the term 'Civil Service' as a !rofessional body of officials, permanent, paid and skilled . " 'Civil Servant' is the servant of the 'civilians' and the upholder of the 'civili#ation'. He, who translates the law into action for the smooth functioning of the administrative system, is bound to the society and ought to live as the watchdog in the society. $horough knowledge of his responsibilities, rights and duties, awareness of the current affairs in the society, free, independent, unbiased and impartial thinking, %uick and sharp decision making skill, readiness and courage to implement the decisions, prompt and right actions, dedication and sincerity to the work, a sense of responsibility towards the society which nurtured him and to the one he is serving, compassion towards the poor and the weak and vision and innovation to bring light to the society and improvise the conditions are the basic %ualities for a civil servant, to name a few& 'oes this mean that a civil servant has to be a 'Super Human'( He has to be a ')eal Human'& $here are some wrong notions about the career as some might have thoughts as my aim was to become an *"S officer+ * have become an *"S as * admire the power and authority and for my parents' social status and not to serve the society+ * have accomplished the dreams and now my work is over.' *t is a misconception, the work is not over+ it has not started yet& $he 'Civil Service' is a '!osition' and not a ',ualification'. -any misunderstand or rather do not distinguish between these two important words when it comes to the civil services scenario. For getting a %ualification .for e.g. a degree/, we strive hard putting all efforts in learning much and more as one can, to be the topper. 0nce we get a degree, the work associated with it ends and we do not have any responsibilities or duties to be discharged related to it. Here knowledge matters. $he case is different when it comes to a '!osition', which can be considered as a superset of %ualification. 1e attain a position by the same means as we get a %ualification but here wisdom matters. 0nce we get to a position we have many associated responsibilities and duties to be discharged. " Civil Servant is an "rtist& "n artist has to have a clear picture of his piece of art, his work should have a message which can be conveyed to the buyer or the admirer, he has to procure the fund and the resources to turn his imagination into reality, work on his pro2ect till it gets the finishing touches+ mistakes, drops and failures are unavoidable or inevitable in any pro2ect which have to be managed appropriately+ the way solution is sorted reveals the real talent as mentioned in the 3est-seller 1ings 0f Fire by "!4 "bdul 5alam, the master mind in *ndian )ocketry. Similarly, for a civil servant, he has to implement the ideas that are beneficial to a better lot of the society and proves as a sign for social development. " mere piece of work, simply spending the funds to make a mark in the history or a stone to rise to the level of a metro or a developed city is a waste of time and money& He has to recogni#e between what is 'wanted' and what is 'needed'& "s versed ' *f you want to leave your footprints 0n the Sands of time 'o not drag your feet.'

$he administration is active 6789. $here is no time to stand, wait and watch, unless the situation is so crucial that an immediate act can cause failure. 0nce the three '-'s as mentioned in economics .-an, -oney and -achine/ are ready, there should not be an e8cuse from the "uthority to act, they should not be falling into the clutches of politics or influential people to wait till the time is reached when those powers feel that it is the favorable time for them. Civil servant has to keep up his !ersonality, which includes both intellect and appearance. He has to carry himself in Formal attire which commands respect at the first sight itself. " well-groomed, trimmed and pleasant appearance adds as a plus point to building a good personality. Formalities have always had its place from the past at all places and in all cultures around the world. Clinging to formalities at all levels, social or career level, adherence to professional ethics and free interaction with the people who approach, can take him personally and professionally to greater heights with appreciation of all around him. 5nowledge without wisdom is of no use. !atience is the sign of wisdom. He has to wait for the right time to take actions and has to keep in mind 'Haste is waste'. Some occasions may arise when finding a solution for a problem can take time from the 'Civil Servants' side+ society and media may withdraw their support. 3ut he has to face them with all his courage and, make them understand his views and build confidence in them which tells them that though he takes time for a decision, it will be a right one and towards the right path. He has to be a strong :eader& " two-way interaction between the civil servant and the society builds a strong bond between the two. Civil servant is the one who can build the society and in turn the state and the country. He has to make a difference in his area of action. He has to be in a continuous 2ourney of enriching his %ualities to mould himself into the true meaning of 'being a Civil Servant'. :et us hope for a strong administrative body which aims for the betterment of the society and create a peaceful and happy life for its residents& 4aihind& Nisha Nair.G.N