Central Idea

• The civil services in India have witnessed a resurgence in popularity, with a growing number of candidates applying each year.
• In this article, we delve into the various rules that govern civil servants and the restrictions they face throughout their career.

Civil Services and Services Allocation

• Successful applicants in the civil services examination can join various services based on their rank and personal preferences.
• Three prominent services, known as All India Services, include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS).
• Other services, known as Central Civil Services, are under the central government and do not have a state cadre system.

Rules for Conduct of Civil Servants

• Civil servants are governed by two sets of rules:

1. All India Services Conduct Rules, 1968, and
2. Central Civil Services Conduct Rules, 1964

• These rules cover a wide range of issues, outlining the expected behaviour and conduct of civil servants.

Issues with these rules

(1) Vague and Specific Rules

• The Conduct Rules include both vague and specific provisions.
• Rule 3(1) emphasizes maintaining absolute integrity and devotion to duty without engaging in any behaviour unbecoming of a civil servant.
• Rule 4(1) prohibits the use of one’s position or influence to secure employment for family members with private organizations or non-governmental organizations.

(2) Restrictions on Political Affiliation and Expression of Opinion

• Rule 5(1) prohibits civil servants from being members of political parties or organizations involved in politics.
• Rule 7 restricts civil servants from making adverse criticisms of government policies or actions in public media or documents.

(3) Prohibition on Dowry

• Giving or taking dowry is strictly prohibited for civil servants under Rule 11(1-A).
• Civil servants are required to report any gifts exceeding Rs. 25,000 received from near relatives or personal friends.

Amendments and Updates to the Rules

• The Conduct Rules are not static and have been amended and updated over time.
• The government determines the political nature of organizations, impacting civil servants’ association with them.
• Additional sub-rules were added in 2014, focusing on maintaining high ethical standards, integrity, political neutrality, and accountability.

Coverage and Penalties

• Civil servants are covered by these rules as soon as they join training, which is part of their probation period.
• Violations of the rules can result in major penalties, including dismissal from the service.
• The Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA) complements the Conduct Rules in addressing corruption issues.

Challenges in Enforcement

• While the rules outline penalties, enforcing them can be challenging.
• Complaints with proper details are necessary for action to be taken.
• Proper channels, such as the Central Vigilance Commission and investigation agencies, exist for filing complaints.

Way Forward

• Ensuring the effective implementation of the Conduct Rules requires streamlining the complaint process and encouraging transparency.
• Regular review and updates of the rules can help address emerging challenges and ensure their relevance.
• Training programs and awareness campaigns can enhance civil servants’ understanding of their responsibilities and the consequences of non-compliance.
• Collaborative efforts between government bodies, civil society, and the public can foster a culture of accountability and ethical conduct among civil servants.

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