(a) What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words) (b) What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of public servant. (10 marks, 150 words)

(a) Basic principles of public life

Public life must rest on values that ensure power is used as a trust for citizens. The widely accepted set is the Nolan Committee's Seven Principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Three, illustrated:

• Selflessness: acting solely for public interest, not personal gain – e.g. an officer declining a gift from a firm seeking a licence.
• Integrity: not placing oneself under obligations that compromise duty – e.g. refusing a builder's favour while deciding zoning.
• Accountability: being answerable for decisions and submitting to scrutiny – e.g. proactively disclosing tender records under RTI.

(b) The 'public servant'

A public servant is a person entrusted with public office and public resources to serve citizens, holding authority as a trust rather than a privilege. The term extends beyond bureaucrats to anyone discharging a public function.

Expected role:

• Serve the public interest with impartiality and empathy, especially toward the weak.
• Implement policy and law efficiently, transparently and without discrimination.
• Offer fearless, honest advice to political executives while remaining politically neutral.
• Uphold constitutional values and be accountable to citizens.

In essence, a public servant is a trustee of public interest – a servant, not a master, of the people.