What Should Civil Services Aspirants Know About Constitutional Values in Contemporary Times?

As India celebrates its 76th Republic Day, it’s important to reflect on the relevance of constitutional values in today's world.

Constitutional Values and Civil Service
 

1. The Indian Civil Service is the backbone of India’s democracy, responsible for protecting citizens' rights and implementing policies for national development.
2. The Constitution of India forms the foundation of this system, ensuring that citizens are treated with dignity, fairness, and equality.
3. As civil servants, it is essential to uphold these values—freedom, equality, justice, and fraternity—in both actions and spirit.
4. These values are not abstract ideas but practical guides for ensuring governance that works for the benefit of all citizens, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable.

Evolving Justice in India
 

1. In earlier times, the symbol of justice was represented by the Goddess holding a sword and wearing a blindfold.
2. Today, justice is not just about enforcing the law, but about understanding each individual’s situation and ensuring fairness.
3. Former Chief Justice D.Y Chandrachud emphasized that justice should be applied with empathy and fairness.
4. Civil servants must understand that justice is not only about following laws; it’s about ensuring fairness and equality for all, considering the unique context of each individual.

Why Civil Servants Must Embody Constitutional Values
 

1. Constitutional values are essential for a functioning democracy. They promote fairness, dignity, and equality.
2. Civil servants, by virtue of their role, must uphold these values.
3. Their actions directly influence public trust and shape how the democratic ideals of the Constitution are applied in day-to-day governance.
4. These values are the very foundation of good governance.
5. Civil servants must not only act with integrity but also work selflessly and tirelessly for the welfare of the citizens.

Examples of Constitutional Values in Everyday Life
 

1. Imagine an auto driver refusing to take a passenger until they’ve asked for their caste or religion.
2. This is an example of prejudice that still exists in society.
3. However, there are also inspiring stories, such as an auto driver who helped a passenger (Saif Ali Khan) without asking for payment or questioning his identity.
4. This simple act of kindness is a reflection of constitutional values, but it also raises the question: Would the same altruism be extended to someone less famous?
5. The answer lies in how deeply we understand and practice constitutional values in everyday life.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Vision of Justice and Equality
 

1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, faced extreme hardships due to his caste.
2. These difficulties, however, did not break his spirit. Instead, they fueled his determination to fight for equality and justice for all Indians.
3. Ambedkar’s work shows us that political equality is meaningless without social and economic justice.
4. His vision continues to inspire us, reminding us that for a truly equal society, we must ensure that every citizen has access to justice and opportunities, regardless of caste, religion, or background.

Why Do We Tolerate Divisions?
 

1. Despite the Constitution's promotion of equality and unity, divisions based on caste, religion, and identity still persist.
2. The Constitution aims to dissolve these barriers, yet they continue to affect our daily lives.
3. For example, technology such as AI and Google Maps does not discriminate against people.
4. We don’t question the caste or religion of those who ensure our safety, like the police officers or doctors who serve us.
5. This trust reflects the principles of equality and fraternity that are essential to the Constitution.

Justice Must Be Universal

1. In his book, The Idea of Justice, Amartya Sen argues that justice must be universal, impartial, and rooted in consequences.
2. Without these values, society cannot function harmoniously. Protecting dignity, life, and rights is not only a constitutional duty but also the essence of being human.
3. If we fail to uphold justice in a fair and equal manner, society fractures.
4. We must always prioritize the well-being of others and ensure that our actions reflect the core values of the Constitution.

The Power of Constitutional Values
 

1. Imagine standing in Lal Chowk in Kashmir, where people from different religions and backgrounds gather.
2. Despite differences, they share a common identity as Indians, symbolized by the national flag.
3. This unity shows the true power of constitutional values—they transcend differences and bring us together in a shared vision for the country’s progress.
4. When we uphold these values, we strengthen the unity and dignity of the nation.

Ambedkar’s Final Warning
 

1. In his speech to the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949, Dr. Ambedkar reminded us that the strength of a Constitution is not in its words but in the integrity of those who implement it.
2. He warned, “No matter how good a Constitution may be, it can turn out to be bad if those tasked with implementing it lack integrity.”
3. Civil servants must remember this. Governance is not just about policies; it’s about embodying the values that make democracy meaningful.

Conclusion: Upholding the Constitution in Daily Actions

 

For civil servants, understanding and applying constitutional values is a responsibility, not an option. Every decision and action should reflect the ideals of freedom, equality, justice, and dignity. The Constitution is not just a document of laws—it is a living guide that shows the path to a better, fairer India. Let’s work to ensure that we not only follow its principles but also live by them, ensuring that the Constitution leads us toward unity, dignity, and progress.

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