Q. What is public service? How are trustworthiness and fortitude demonstrated by public servants? Provide examples. Suggest three ways to prevent corruption.

Approach:
Introduction:
• Define public service as activities by government officials aimed at societal welfare.
• Mention the ethical foundation — values like trustworthiness and fortitude are essential to ensure justice, equity, and development.
Body:
1. Trustworthiness in Public Service:
• Involves honesty, transparency, and accountability.
• Key traits:
-Impartial enforcement of laws.
-Responsible handling of public funds.
-Fulfilling promises and public expectations.
• Example: Rohini Bhajibhakare (IAS) — ethical land acquisition through fair consultation and compensation.
2. Fortitude in Public Service:
• Refers to moral courage and resilience during adversity.
• Key traits:
-Resisting unethical pressures and bribes.
-Upholding duty despite risks or crises.
-Serving in challenging environments.
• Example: Krishna Teja (IAS) — managed COVID-19 crisis with integrity and proactive fieldwork under pressure.
3. Governance Reforms to Prevent Corruption:
• Digital Transparency: Online systems (GeM, PFMS, Digital India).
• Whistleblower Protection: Strengthen Lokpal, vigilance bodies, CPGRAMS.
• Ethical Training: Mission Karmayogi, ethics monitoring, and civil service reform.
Conclusion:
• Reiterate that trust and courage form the moral compass of public service.,• Stress the need for institutional reforms to foster ethical, accountable governance.,  ,

Introduction
Public service refers to activities performed by individuals in government or public institutions to promote the welfare of society. It includes roles in administration, policing, education, and public health. Ethically, it requires fairness, integrity, and dedication, as public servants hold the responsibility of delivering justice, equality, and development to all.

Body:
How Are Trustworthiness and Fortitude Shown in Public Servants?
1. Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness means being honest, reliable, and accountable in all actions. A trustworthy public servant:
-Acts fairly and upholds the law without bias.
-Avoids misuse of power and manages public funds responsibly.
-Maintains transparency and honors public expectations.
Example: Rohini Bhajibhakare – IAS Officer, Tamil Nadu As District Collector of Salem, Rohini Bhajibhakare handled sensitive land acquisition for infrastructure projects through consultation, consent, and fair compensation.
-She held multiple public hearings and involved community representatives.
-Ensured that landowners were compensated transparently and with dignity.
-Earned praise from local farmers for keeping her word and maintaining fairness.
Her commitment to ethical governance and procedural honesty won public trust, proving that Transparency can go hand-in-hand with development.

2. Fortitude
Fortitude is the moral courage to do what is right, even in the face of danger, pressure, or adversity. A public servant with fortitude:
-Resists bribes and unethical political pressure.
-Exposes wrongdoing despite personal risk.
-Continues service in conflict zones or during crises.
-Example: Krishna Teja – IAS Officer, Andhra Pradesh
Krishna Teja, an IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, exemplified fortitude during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the District Collector of Chittoor, he took proactive and courageous measures to manage the crisis in one of the most affected regions.
Despite limited resources, high public anxiety, and administrative pressure, he:
-Established community kitchens for stranded migrant workers.
-Ensured doorstep delivery of essentials in containment zones.
-Implemented real-time tracking of patients and vaccinations, often visiting the field himself.
-Resisted pressure from political and local bodies while enforcing lockdowns and health protocols strictly.
His ability to remain calm, ethical, and action-oriented in a high-risk, high-pressure environment highlights the essence of fortitude in public service — standing firm on moral duty, prioritizing public welfare, and upholding justice, even under intense adversity.
Three Ways to Prevent Corruption:
1. Transparency Through Digital Governance
Digitization minimizes discretion and improves accountability in public transactions.
Governance Measures:
-Online file tracking, e-tendering, and digital payments.
-Real-time dashboards and grievance portals.
Scheme Examples:
-Digital India Mission: Expands access to digital public services.
-GeM (Government e-Marketplace): Ensures fair procurement practices.
-PFMS (Public Financial Management System): Tracks public spending transparently.
2. Whistleblower Protection and Oversight Mechanisms
Institutional accountability deters corruption and protects ethical officers.
Governance Measures:
-Enforce the Whistle Blowers Protection Act.
-Empower oversight bodies like Lokpal/Lokayuktas.
-Strengthen vigilance wings in all departments.
Scheme Examples: 
-CVC (Central Vigilance Commission): Oversees integrity in public systems.
-CPGRAMS: Enables citizens to report grievances directly to departments.
3. Ethical Reforms in Public Administration
Ethical governance must be part of civil service culture, not just compliance.
Governance Measures:
-Integrate ethics training in civil service.
-Monitor conduct using integrity-based metrics.
-Establish departmental ethics committees.
Scheme Example:
-Mission Karmayogi: Aims to develop ethically driven and citizen-centric bureaucrats through modern training and leadership development.

Conclusion:
Trustworthiness and fortitude form the moral backbone of public service. Preventing corruption requires governance reforms that promote transparency, protect whistleblowers, and foster ethical leadership. When public servants act with honesty and courage, they uphold the spirit of the Constitution and ensure that governance becomes a force for justice and national development.