QUESTION 1(b)
GS4
10 marks
What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of a public servant.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Explain who a public servant is and reflect on what role they are expected to play.
Explain + ReflectMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point. Give your own considered view with reasons.
Demand-wise check
- 1Legal meaning: Section 2(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act; broad (includes judges, PSU staff, anyone paid by public money for public duty)≈30 words
- 2Ethical meaning: servant of the public, not of rulers≈30 words
- 3Expected role: implement policy faithfully, advise honestly, protect rights, serve the weakest, uphold the Constitution, be accountable≈30 words
- 4Reflection: from ruler to facilitator≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Definition (legal + ethical)Expected rolesReflectionConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Only the legal definition
- No reflection
Draw this
- Role wheel: implementer, honest adviser, rights protector, servant of the weakest, constitutional guardian, accountable
Value addition
- LawSection 2(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 defines 'public servant' widely.PC Act 1988
- ThinkerSardar Patel called the civil services the 'steel frame' and asked officers to speak their mind fearlessly.Patel's address to IAS probationers, 1947
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Rishabh Yadav · Page 19 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Tushar Chauhan · Page 19 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Yarasi Tusharika · Page 19 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- G Sanjana · AIR 55 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.