Answer:

Introduction:

In the context of civil service, several key values are crucial for the efficient and ethical functioning of the administrative machinery. Transparency, accountability, fairness and justice, courage of conviction, and the spirit of service are all highly relevant in upholding the principles of good governance, public trust, and the delivery of quality services. These values guide civil servants in their daily responsibilities and shape their interactions with the public and fellow colleagues.

Body:

Undesirable values prevalent in today’s educated Indians include:

• Selfishness: Many educated Indians tend to prioritize their own interests and needs over those of others.
• Lack of empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. However, many educated Indians lack empathy towards others and are insensitive to the needs of the less fortunate.
• Corruption: Despite being educated, many Indians engage in corrupt practices such as taking bribes, embezzlement, and misuse of public funds.
• Nepotism: Many educated Indians use their influence to secure positions of power or secure benefits for their family members, friends, or acquaintances.
• Casteism: The caste system is still prevalent in India, and many educated Indians continue to discriminate against people from lower castes.

To cultivate socio-ethical values in civil servants, the following measures can be taken:

• Education and training: The government should provide education and training to aspiring and serving civil servants on socio-ethical values, including empathy, integrity, and honesty.
• Accountability: Civil servants should be held accountable for their actions and decisions. This can be done by setting up a robust monitoring system and by punishing those who engage in corrupt practices or discrimination.
• Awareness campaigns: Awareness campaigns can be launched to educate the public about the negative impact of corruption, nepotism, and casteism.
• Incentivization: Civil servants who demonstrate ethical behavior should be recognized and incentivized. This can motivate others to adopt similar values and behavior.
• Role models: The government can promote role models who embody socio-ethical values, such as Mahatma Gandhi, to inspire civil servants to follow in their footsteps.

Conclusion:

Cultivating socio-ethical values in civil servants requires a sustained effort from the government, civil society, and the public. It requires a change in mindset and a commitment to creating a just and equitable society.