Answer:

Introduction

Foundational values in civil services are the principles on which government and policies should be based, acting as ethical cornerstones that guide civil servants. They include values, such as integrity, accountability, transparency, and impartiality crucial for the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ that aims to transform India into a developed nation by its centenary of independence. 

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Role of foundational values in civil services towards realizing India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 

• Integrity: Upholding integrity ensures that civil servants act in the nation’s best interest, crucial for sustainable development. For example, T.N. Seshan’s tenure as the Chief Election Commissioner transformed the electoral process in India, emphasizing integrity and fairness.
• Accountability: Accountability in civil services ensures responsible use of power and resources, essential for effective governance. Eg: as seen in the Right to Information Act, 2005 which has been instrumental in enhancing accountability in Indian bureaucracy.
• Impartiality: Impartial decision-making ensures fair and just administration. Eg: role of the UPSC in conducting impartial public service recruitment in India exemplifies this value.
• Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and addressing the needs of diverse populations is crucial for inclusive development. 15M g:empathetic approach of officers like Armstrong Pame in building a road in Manipur without government funds shows the importance of compassion.
• Innovation and Adaptability: Embracing innovative solutions and adapting to changing scenarios are key for modern governance. Eg: Aadhaar project represents a significant innovation in public service delivery.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborative efforts among various government departments and with the public can accelerate development. The collaborative approach in the Smart Cities Mission is an example of this.
• Efficiency and Effectiveness: Efficient use of resources and effective policy implementation are essential for development. Eg: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana’s effective implementation demonstrates efficiency in financial inclusion.
• Respect for Diversity and Inclusion: Respecting India’s diverse culture and promoting inclusion is vital for social cohesion and national unity. Civil servants play a crucial role in implementing inclusive policies like the National Education Policy 2020. 

Strategies to further reinforce and internalize these values among civil servants

• Mentorship and Role Modelling: Senior civil servants should mentor juniors, emphasizing the importance of values like integrity and impartiality. Eg: role model behaviour of civil servants like E. Sreedharan, known for his integrity in public projects, is inspirational.
• Strengthen public service delivery: Launch initiative to prepare Indian civil servants for the future by emphasizing ethical and efficient service delivery. Eg: Implementation of the Mission Karmayogi program, which focuses on capacity building for civil servants is a step in the right direction. 
• Code of Ethics: Adopt a comprehensive code of ethics as proposed by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission. This code would provide clear guidelines on ethical conduct and decision-making.
• Ethics in Public Governance Programs: Initiate programs like “Mission Satyanishtha” by Indian Railways, which focuses on ethics in public governance. Such programs can be expanded to other departments to reinforce ethical practices.
• Public Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing systems to gather public feedback on civil servants’ conduct can encourage adherence to these values. Platforms like the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) allow citizens to report on the conduct of civil servants.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging civil servants to engage with the community can foster empathy and a sense of public service. Eg: Encourage fieldwork and community interactions during the training of IAS officers to instill these values. 
• Reward and Recognition Programs: Recognizing and rewarding civil servants who demonstrate these values can motivate others. The ‘Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration’ is an example of recognizing exemplary public service.

Conclusion 

Civil Servants are the flag bearers of the progress and development needed for ‘Viksit Bharat’ and the foundational values are the guiding lights.It requires the trinity of foundational values, personal values and code of ethics for civil servants to work in tandem to turn this dream into a living reality.

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