(a) “In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years.” Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity. (b) Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in turn developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level?

Constitutional guarantees of equality (Articles 14–16) have steadily raised women's presence in public service, yet structural and attitudinal barriers persist.

(a) Gender-specific challenges and remedies

• Challenges: the double burden of care work, unsafe or non-inclusive workplaces, subtle bias in postings and promotions, safety in field duty, and gendered expectations that can invite compromise on probity.
• Measures: robust anti-harassment mechanisms under the POSH Act, 2013; crèches and flexible/child-care leave; safe field infrastructure; gender-neutral cadre management and mentoring; and firm institutional backing when women officers resist undue pressure, protecting their integrity.

(b) How Mission Karmayogi empowers civil servants

Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB, 2020) shifts capacity building from rule-based to role-based, competency-driven learning through the iGOT-Karmayogi platform. It empowers officers by:

• continuous, on-demand skilling in the Frameworks of Roles, Activities and Competencies (FRACs);
• cultivating the attitudes, skills and knowledge (behavioural, functional, domain) needed for citizen-centric delivery;
• enabling last-mile officials to learn best practices, improving productive efficiency and service quality at the grassroots.

Conclusion

Gender-sensitive workplaces and behaviour-focused capacity building together create a civil service that is both efficient and high on probity.