Introduction
Impartiality entails being impartial and non-discriminatory. A civil servant should not discriminate against citizens based on their background, caste, religion, or other factors. It is a highly important characteristic to have when the country is in disarray, tensions, and conflict scenarios such as communal riots, violent agitations, and so on.
First and foremost, they must operate with integrity and impartiality. They should not be biased in favour of or against anyone. They must obey the law of the land, which holds that all people are equal in its eyes. They must avoid biases based on family and friends; being a public servant is a highly regarded and responsible profession that must be respected. All of their acts must be geared toward the greater good of the public.
Another facet of impartiality is that being the bedrock of bureaucracy, they must not engage in any form of politics. They must keep a respectful and necessary distance from politics and refrain from making politically driven or influenced decisions. They should provide rational advice that benefits the nation and the public. Being objective will aid in the realisation of the wide aim of national integration and inclusive growth.
It necessitates a willingness on the side of the civil service to comprehend and tolerate different points of view, cultural patterns, and work habits. It also implies a readiness to collaborate without prejudice or bias with people from different regions, countries, and cultures. It entails the greatest level of conduct as well as the use of judgement and restraint in all expressions of opinion, whether public or private. Any expression that could be interpreted as biassed or intolerant, especially in relation to regional interests or political concerns with which the organisation is confronted, must be avoided.
The trait of impartiality becomes even more critical in a country like India, which has a wide range of groups, ethnicities, and faiths. In order for a nation to grow and prosper, it is essential to maintain peace and stability. They must carry out their responsibilities and tasks with objectivity. They should not allow their personal views to get in the way of making sound decisions. They must refrain from taking sides in conflicts and retain a rational perspective on the situation.
Political Neutrality
Political neutrality is a necessary component of civil service in a democratic setting to ensure the integrity and efficiency of administration. It denotes that civil servants should provide fair and honest advice to the government in an impartial and non-political manner
A member of the service who is eligible to vote in elections may use his or her right to vote, but he or she must give no indication of how he or she intends to or has voted.
He/she shall not associate with any political party or organisation that engages in politics, nor shall he/she participate in, contribute to, or assist in any other way.
Officer must not take part in politics
He must not give election funds/ assistance to any political party
He must not display any election symbols on his person, vehicle or home.
He must not participate in rallies, dharna-pradarshan, and demonstrations without government permission.