Day 20 – Q 5.Should a civil servant be concerned with his public image? Critically examine.

5. Should a civil servant be concerned with his public image? Critically examine.  

क्या एक लोकसेवक को अपनी सार्वजनिक छवि के प्रति चिंतित होना चाहिए? समालोचनात्मक जांच करें।

Introduction:

The civil servant is like the foundation of a grand building that never gets the credit for the grandeur, even though this is the “steel frame” that holds the structure together. What gets to be known about the civil servant is what goes wrong. Very rarely does he/she get the credit for all that is happening. It is only on some rare occasions that the Seshans and KPS Gills grab the limelight. However, this appears to be changing now. The social media seems to be bringing forth a new breed altogether.

Body

Civil servants deal directly with public on the daily basis, so their public image is inevitable. Such a public image has its own pros and cons.

Should be concerned

• Moral leaders: Civil servants are torch bearer of New India. Their public image must be ideal for the growing society. Example: Armstrong Pame, idol of north east.
• Smooth delivery of services: Civil servants belong to the executive organ of the governance. For smooth delivery of services, acceptance of public and appreciation is needed.
• Motivation: Public acceptance and a good image works as reward to civil servant. It keeps him motivated to keep working for larger good.
• Favourable working environment: Good public image created a favourable working environment among colleagues to serve for betterment.
• Team work and campaigns: Public support is must for team work and campaigns for change. Best example of this is “Collector Bro” of Kerala, and his “Operation Sulaimani”. 
• Whist blowing against corruption: Public image becomes strength of civil servant to do more courageously. 

Should not be concerned

• Displaced goals: Primary duty of civil servants is to serve with a vision to build a stronger building of Indian society. Concern for public image may divert for some other short term goals and gains.
• Rationality in decision making: Too much concern for public acceptance may lead to make decisions in favour of public sentiments. Here keeping a safe distance from public would be better. 
• Disturbed hierarchy and work culture: Self image will lead to ignoring the hierarchies and disturbing the work culture of a civil servant. He/she may take the full command in their own hands to show heroism, ignoring role of other colleagues.
• Self integrity: working irrespective of public image will keep the civil servants’ integrity intact. Best example of it is Ashok Khemka, who despite of all the hurdles kept moving to fulfil his duty.
• Neutrality and impartiality: Concern for public image creates a bias in favour of public concerned, rather than larger goal of India as a whole.
• Undue activism: Undue heroism among civil servants may dilute their political neutrality and role as foundation steel frame. This may expose them to vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

• Civil servants of modern India can’t afford to remain in the “ivory towers”. It has to make its presence felt.
• Making a public image can help the civil servants to dispel the negative apprehensions the people have towards them, such as corruption and redtapism.
• But too much concern for public image may lead demolition of “steel frame” under undue popular sentiments.