(a) Analyse John Rawls’s concept of social justice in the Indian context. (b) Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission.

(a) Rawls's social justice in the Indian context

In A Theory of Justice (1971), John Rawls conceives justice as fairness. Rational persons in an 'original position', behind a 'veil of ignorance' about their own class, caste, talents or gender, would choose two principles: first, equal basic liberties for all; second, that social and economic inequalities are just only if (i) offices are open to all under fair equality of opportunity and (ii) they work to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged — the 'difference principle'.

This maps closely onto the Indian constitutional project. Fundamental Rights secure equal basic liberties; the Directive Principles (Articles 38, 39, 46) direct the State to minimise inequalities and uplift the weaker sections. Reservations, MGNREGA, the Right to Education and food-security law embody the difference principle — tilting policy toward the worst-off. The critique that Rawls under-weights community and capabilities (Sen, Nussbaum) is also relevant to a plural society.

(b) Public Services Code — 2nd ARC

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, in 'Refurbishing of Personnel Administration', recommended a comprehensive Civil Services Bill and a Public Service Code enumerating core values expected of civil servants:

• Allegiance to the Constitution and the rule of law; patriotism and national pride.
• Objectivity, impartiality, honesty, diligence and courtesy.
• Integrity and political neutrality.
• Accountability, transparency and responsiveness to the public.
• Commitment to and empathy for the weaker and vulnerable sections.

Both ideas converge: Rawls supplies the philosophical case for prioritising the disadvantaged, while the Public Service Code operationalises those very values — impartiality and empathy for the weakest — in the conduct of administration.