‘Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption.’ Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

Corruption essentially refers to any form of deviation from ethical living and working. The 2nd ARC report gives the formula of corruption as:

Secrecy + Monopoly + Discretion - Accountability- Transparency = Corruption

Non-performance of duty is also a form of corruption because:

1. Public resources and taxpayers’ money supports the public servant which in turn demands effective performance. 

2. A public servant is bound by oath and the Central Civil Services Rules to perform their duty which if not done reflects moral corruption. 

3. A public servant is legally and constitutionally bound to prioritise the interests of the Antyodaya, only then can Sarvodaya be attained. Failing to do this is a form of corruption.

4. Performance of duty to borrow Immanuel Kant’s words is a categorical imperative.

5. Non-performance of duty for example not resolving conflicts of interest, automatically lead to corrupt decision making. E.g.: A judge not recusing from a case of relatives.

6. When one fulfils their duty with objectivity, impartiality, compassion and integrity, the chances of corruption is reduced.

The perseverance and values for performing one’s duties must be cultivated and reinforced through entry level training, mid-career training, Citizen’s Charter and accountability measures such as RTI, Social Audit,

Integrity Hotline and so on. Further, effective implementation of Prevention of Corruption Act must be done to address coercive and collusive corruption at all levels of the organisation. Building a work culture that rewards performers go a long way in encouraging effective performance of duties.