Dedication to Public Service

• Dedication is the quality of being able to give or apply one’s time, attention, energy, or self entirely to a particular activity, person, or cause. It differs from commitment, which is a formal obligation; dedication is a passionate commitment guided by a sense of duty, inspired by certain ideals.
• ‘Dedication to Public Service’ refers to prioritising the public good above all, ensuring that a civil servant’s sense of duty is integrated with their official responsibilities.

Example: K. Vijay Kumar was an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who played a crucial role in leading the Special Task Force (STF) in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, to combat the insurgent group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the late 1990s. 

• Despite facing significant challenges and threats to his life, Kumar tirelessly worked to maintain law and order in the region. He displayed immense dedication by staying on the ground, leading his team from the front, and devising strategic plans to counter the insurgency effectively. 
• His unwavering commitment to public service was evident in his willingness to put himself in harm’s way for the safety and security of the public. He worked tirelessly, often sacrificing personal time and comfort, to ensure the well-being and peace of the community. 
• Kumar’s dedication to public service earned him recognition and respect not only from his fellow officers but also from the public he served.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Significance

• It keeps civil servants motivated to perform their duties, even when the work is boring, unwanted, or tedious.
• It is crucial as civil servants regularly face difficult and varied situations.
• It fosters empathy in civil servants towards their jobs and the people they serve.
• Public service is essential for realising the ideals of the Constitution, such as justice and equality.