Answer:

Introduction:

Public interest refers to the well-being of the general public and society as a whole, rather than the interests of specific individuals or groups. Implementing policies and regulations to protect the environment or the allocation of public funds towards healthcare and education exemplifies acting in the public interest

Civil servants are expected to act in the public interest by ensuring that public resources are used effectively and efficiently to provide services and benefits to citizens.

Guiding principles to be followed by civil servants in public interest:

• Integrity: Acting with honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct to ensure decisions and actions serve the public interest without personal bias or gain.
  • Kiran Bedi, former IPS officer, fought corruption and promoted transparency.
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for one’s actions, being answerable to the public, and ensuring transparency in decision-making processes.
  • Vinod Rai, former Comptroller and Auditor General, exposed financial irregularities.
• Impartiality: Making unbiased decisions and treating all individuals and groups fairly and equitably, without favoritism or discrimination.
  • T.N. Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner, ensured fair elections.
• Objectivity: Basing decisions on facts, evidence, and rationality, while avoiding personal opinions or subjective influences.
  • Raghuram Rajan, former RBI Governor, made data-driven decisions for economic stability.
• Openness and Transparency: Engaging in open and transparent communication with the public, providing information and access to decision-making processes.
  • Satyendra Dubey, sacrificed life for exposing corruption in infrastructure projects.
• Lawfulness: Working within the legal framework and upholding the rule of law to ensure actions are lawful and just.
  • Usha Ramanathan, activist, protected marginalized communities’ rights.
• Efficiency and Effectiveness: Striving for efficient and effective use of resources to achieve desired outcomes and maximize public benefit.
  • E. Sreedharan, “Metro Man,” executed the Delhi Metro project on time.
• Responsiveness: Being attentive and responsive to the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the public, and actively seeking their input and participation.
• Professionalism: Sanjiv Chaturvedi, forest officer, exposed corruption and protected wildlife.

By adhering to these guiding principles, civil servants can ensure that their actions and decisions align with the broader public interest and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.