Public service is a service which is provided by government to people living within its jurisdiction, either directly (through the public sector) or by financing provision of Services. The term is associated with a social consensus (usually expressed through democratic Elections) that certain services should be available to all, regardless of income, physical ability or mental acuity. Even where public services are neither publicly provided nor publicly financed, for social and political reasons they are usually subject to regulation going beyond that applying to most economic sectors. Public policy when made in the public’s interest and motivations can provide public services. Public service is also a course that can be studied at a college or university. Examples of public services are the fire brigade, police, air force, and paramedics.
A public service may sometimes have the characteristics of a public good (being non-rivalrous and non-excludable), but most are services which may (according to prevailing social norms) be under-provided by the market. In most cases public services are services, i.e. they do not involve manufacturing of goods. They may be provided by local or national monopolies, especially in sectors which are natural monopolies. They may involve outputs that are hard to attribute to specific individual effort or hard to measure in terms of key characteristics such as quality. They often require high levels of training and Education. They may attract people with a public service ethos who wish to give something to the wider public or community through their work.
Evolution of public service
Governing bodies have long provided core public services. The tradition of keeping citizens secure through organized military defence dates to at least four thousand years ago. Maintaining order through local delegated authority originated at least as early as the Warring States period (5th to 3rd centuries BCE) in ancient China with the institition of xian (prefectures) under the control of a centrally-appointed prefect. Historical evidence of state provision of dispute resolution through a legal/Justice system goes back at least as far as ancient Egypt. A primary public service in Ancient History involved ensuring the general favor of the gods through a theologically and ceremonially correct state religion. The widespread provision of public utilities as public services in developed countries usually began in the late nineteenth century, often with the municipal development of gas and water services. Later, governments began to provide other services such as electricity and healthcare. In most developed countries local or national governments continue to provide such services, the biggest exceptions being the U.S. and the UK, where private provision is arguably proportionally more significant. Nonetheless, such privately provided public services are often strongly regulated, for example (in the US) by Public Utility Commissions. In developing countries public services tend to be much less well developed. For example, water services might only be available to the wealthy middle class. For political reasons the service is often subsidized, which reduces the finance potentially available for expansion to poorer communities.
In modern democracies, public service is often performed by employees known as civil servants who are hired by elected officials. Government agencies are not profit-oriented and their employees are motivated differently. Studies of their work have found contrasting results including both higher levels of effort and fewer hours of work. A survey in the UK found that private sector hiring managers do not credit government experience as much as private sector experience. Public workers tend to make less in wages when adjusting for education, although that difference is reduced when benefits and hours are included. Public workers have other intangible benefits such as increased job security.
Important values of public service
Values are essential components of organisational culture and instrumental in determining, guiding and informing behaviour. For bureaucracies, adherence to high-level public service values can generate substantial public trust and confidence. Conversely, weak application of values or promotion of inappropriate values can lead to reductions in these essential Elements of democratic governance, as well as to ethical and decision-making dilemmas. While a core set of public service values is necessary, it is also true that different values apply to different parts of the public service. For example, a distinction may be made between technical, regulatory and administrative tasks, or between those parts of a Bureaucracy in direct contact with the public and those which are not.
Given the increasing range of demands on the public service, as well as the frequent ambiguity in terms of goals, relationships and responsibilities, value conflicts are not unusual. As values can differ within different parts of the public service, one of the principal tasks of managers and leaders is to co-ordinate, reconcile or cope with differing values between individuals or even between parts of the organisation. Also, there are a number of dynamics challenging traditional values in the public service. These include new modes of governance and the fragmentation of authority, market-based reforms (such as New Public Management), politicisation and political expectations, the Growth in the use of agencies, decentralisation or relocation, changes in human resource management and recruitment, and the advent of new technologies and methods of information sharing.
Treatment of values
While the identification and mode of expression of values is the first step for any value-driven organisation, acting on those values is essential to give them meaning. Having a list of values does not mean they exist in an organisation. Advocating value sets but not acting on them is even counter-productive. · This study identifies that senior managers are a key cohort in the realisation of a value-based organisation, as their activities send out fundamental signals concerning the relevance of values within the organisation. Ideally, a new statement (or restatement) of values within an organisation should begin at the most senior level. It should be noted that some organisations have ethics or values sub-committees on their boards and have a senior member of staff report to them on the implementation of a values programme. Line managers must also be cognisant of their influence on the establishment of a workplace culture, and the maxim of ‘do as I do, not as I say’ is of relevance here.
Some of the core public service values are as follows:
Accountability: This is essential in field of Public Administration and particularly important within the context of administrative discretion. Effective administration requires administrators to exercise the discretion with accountability.
Legitimacy: The public interest might also be considered as significant value. Although, there are numerous types and source of legitimacy, the term can be defined simply as the popular acceptance of a governing regime, in this case public administration. More specially, legitimacy arises when the governed Consent to the governing institution and believes that those institutions will rule in the public interest.
Public Interest: There is a common good that is different than the aggregate of private benefit and that common good is something that is in the interest of the larger community, even if it is against the interest of some individuals in the community.
Integrity and Honesty: Public servants hold their office in trust, which underlines two principles they shall not use public office for private gain and they shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any private organization or individual. Eg., negotiation of future EMPLOYMENT by a public official with a firm with which he has official dealings, prior to leaving public office is widely regarded as a conflict of interest situation. Only when public servants inculcate the noble values of integrity and honesty, a dent in massive Corruption problem facing the country can be made.
Spirit of Service and Sacrifice: It is an essential ingredient of public services and public officials should feel inspired that they are working for a national cause.
Integrity
Integrity is one of the most important and oft-cited of virtue terms. The concept of integrity has to do with perceived consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcome. When used as a virtue term, “integrity” refers to a quality of a person’s character. Some people see integrity as the quality of having a sense of honesty and truthfulness in regard to the motivations for one’s actions. Persons of integrity do not just act consistently with their endorsements, they stand for something: they stand up for their best judgement within a community of people trying to discover what in life is worth doing. Some commentators Stress the idea of integrity as personal honesty: acting according to one’s beliefs and values at all times. Speaking about integrity can emphasize the “wholeness” or “intactness” of a moral stance or Attitude. Some of the wholeness may also emphasize commitment and authenticity. In the context of accountability, integrity serves as a measure of willingness to adjust value system to maintain or improve its consistency when an expected result appears incongruent with observed outcome. Some regard integrity as a virtue in that they see accountability and moral responsibility as necessary tools for maintaining such consistency.
The Legal Framework
The assessment of the legal and institutional anti-corruption framework points to a combination of robust institutions and lack of accountability in key areas. Some institutions such as The Supreme Court or the Election Commission have taken a stronger stance to combat malpractice in recent years, while key pieces of legislation such as the RTI Act promote greater bureaucratic transparency, granting citizens access to public records. Important mechanisms are –
Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (POCA) is India’s principal legislation against corruption. Its main thrust is to prohibit public servants from accepting or soliciting illegal gratification in the discharge of their official functions. In addition, bribe-givers and intermediaries may be held liable under POCA for bribing public officials. However, prosecution under POCA requires prior approval of high authorities which severely limits its usefulness particularly where there is collusive activity within government branches.
In addition to POCA’s prohibitions, various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) provide criminal punishment for public servants who disobey relevant laws or procedures, frame incorrect or improper documents, unlawfully engage in trade, or abuse their position or discretion.
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 seeks to prevent money laundering including laundering of property through corruption and provides for confiscation of such a property. It mainly targets banks, financial institutions and intermediaries such stock market intermediaries. They must maintain records of all transactions exceeding Rs 10 lakhs. Later amendment has also brought non-profit organizations under PMLA. They have been the typical conduits for terror organizations. The Enforcement Directorate recently began action to attach properties of DMK-controlled Kalaignar TV under the PMLA to recover Rs 215 crore in connection with the 2G scam for which DMK MP Kanimozhi is in jail along with A Raja.
The 2005 Right To Information (RTI) Act represents one of the country’s most critical achievements in the fight against corruption. Under the provisions of the Act, any citizen may request information from a “public authority” which is required to reply within 30 days. The Act also requires every public authority to computerize its records for wide dissemination and to proactively publish certain categories of information for easy citizen access. This act provides citizens with a mechanism to control public spending. Many ani-corruption activists have been using the RTI to expose corruption. Lack of legal protection against whistleblowers, however, puts them in risky situation and many RTI activists have lost their lives in last six years.
There are various bodies in place for implementing anti-corruption policies and raising awareness on corruption issues. At the federal level, key institutions include the Supreme Court, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Office of the Controller & Auditor General (C&AG), and the Chief Information Commission (CIC). At the Sate level, there are local anti-corruption bureaus such as the Anti-corruption Bureau of Maharashtra.
In recent years, the Supreme Court has taken a stronger stance against corruption. It has challenged the powers of states in several instances. For example, in 2007 in Uttar Pradesh, it challenged the state governor’s powers to pardon politically connected individuals based on arbitrary considerations. In other instances, judges have taken on a stronger role in responding to Public Interest Litigation over official corruption and environmental issues.
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is the apex watchdog agency established in 1964. The CVC can investigate complaints against high level public officials at the central level; not at the state level. In 2005-09, CVC slapped penalties on 13,061 CASES (Average 2612 per year). It Oversees and supervises vigilance and anti-corruption work in all central government ministries, departments and PSUs. All group A officers (joint secretary and above) come under its ambit.
Limitation: Needs prior sanction to prosecute. Cannot probe officials below Jt Secy level until government refers case. Limited staff, normally on deputation.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the prime investigating agency of the central government and is generally referred to as a credible and respected institution in the country. It is placed under the Ministry of Personnel, Pensions & Grievances and consists of three divisions: the Anti-Corruption Division, the Special Crimes Division and the Economic Offenses Division. The Supreme and High Courts can instruct the CBI to conduct investigations. It investigates offenses by central government and PSU employees. States too can seek help. Also probes criminal cases.
Limitation: Cannot probe or frame charges on its own. Cases have to be referred. Is under government control and not autonomous.
The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C & AG) is the apex Auditing body. The C & AG has produced several reports on state departments such as railways, public sector enterprise, and tax administration. These reports have revealed many financial irregularities, suggesting a lack of monitoring of public expenses, poor targeting and corrupt practices in many branches of government. The most recent example is its report on Commonwealth Games that nailed the corrupt organizing committee members. It audits accounts of all government departments/ ministries/PSUs. Look into discrepancies of expenses made by government/departments government controlled companies. Submits reports to Parliament that are then referred to the Public Accounts Committee.
Limitation: Limited to audits and accounts. Cannot probe corruption as defined by the Prevention of Corruption Act; has powers only to recommend; no investigative or prosecution powers.
The Chief Information Commission (CIC) was established in 2005 and came into operation in 2006. It has delivered decisions instructing government, courts, universities, police, and ministries on how to share information of public interest. State information commissions have also been opened, thus giving practical shape to the 2005 Right to Information (RTI) Act. Of India’s 28 states, 26 have officially constituted information commissions to implement the RTI Act.
Pending Anti-Corruption Legislation
Important pieces of anti-corruption legislation have been pending for years, including the Corrupt Public Servants Bill, the Lok Pal Bill, which is supposed to address corruption in high offices, including the office of the Prime Minister, and the Judge Inquiry Bill designed to introduce an inquiry mechanism for allegations and complaints against members of the judiciary.
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Public service is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of activities that are carried out by governments, non-profit organizations, and individuals to benefit the public. Some examples of public service include civil service, government service, public administration, public Health, public safety, public transportation, social services, utilities, and volunteering.
Civil service is the body of non-elected government officials who are responsible for carrying out the day-to-day operations of government. Civil servants are typically appointed by the elected government and serve at the pleasure of the elected officials.
Government service is a broader term that encompasses all of the activities that are carried out by governments, including the work of civil servants, elected officials, and the military. Government service is essential to the functioning of Society, as it provides essential services such as education, healthcare, and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE.
Public administration is the field of study that deals with the management of government agencies and programs. Public administrators are responsible for developing and implementing policies, managing budgets, and overseeing the delivery of services.
Public health is the field of study that deals with the prevention and control of disease and the promotion of health. Public health professionals work to improve the health of populations through a variety of strategies, such as vaccination programs, health education, and environmental protection.
Public safety is the field of study that deals with the prevention and control of crime and the protection of the public from harm. Public safety professionals work in a variety of fields, such as law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services.
Public transportation is a system of transportation that is available to the general public. Public transportation systems typically include buses, trains, and subways. Public transportation is an important part of the infrastructure of many cities, as it provides a way for people to get around without having to rely on cars.
Social services are a range of services that are provided to individuals and families who are in need. Social services can include things like food assistance, housing assistance, and child care. Social services are an important part of the safety net that helps to ensure that everyone has the basic necessities of life.
Utilities are essential services that are provided to the public, such as water, electricity, and gas. Utilities are typically regulated by the government to ensure that they are providing safe and reliable service.
Volunteering is the act of giving your time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return. Volunteering can be done in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and soup kitchens. Volunteering is a great way to make a difference in your community and to meet new people.
Public service is a vital part of society. It provides essential services, protects the public, and helps to improve the Quality Of Life for everyone. If you are interested in making a difference in your community, consider volunteering or getting involved in public service.
What is the difference between a public service and a private service?
A public service is a service that is provided by the government or a non-profit organization, while a private service is a service that is provided by a for-profit company.
What are some examples of public services?
Some examples of public services include education, healthcare, and transportation.
What are some examples of private services?
Some examples of private services include Banking, insurance, and retail.
What are the benefits of public services?
The benefits of public services include that they are accessible to everyone, they are often of high quality, and they are often affordable.
What are the drawbacks of public services?
The drawbacks of public services include that they can be inefficient, they can be bureaucratic, and they can be subject to political interference.
What are the benefits of private services?
The benefits of private services include that they are often more efficient than public services, they are often more responsive to the needs of consumers, and they are often more innovative.
What are the drawbacks of private services?
The drawbacks of private services include that they can be less affordable than public services, they can be of lower quality than public services, and they can be more likely to discriminate against certain groups of people.
What is the role of government in providing public services?
The role of government in providing public services is to ensure that everyone has access to essential services, regardless of their income or social status.
What are some of the challenges facing public services?
Some of the challenges facing public services include budget cuts, staff shortages, and technological change.
What are some of the ways that public services can be improved?
Some of the ways that public services can be improved include increasing funding, investing in training, and adopting new technologies.
What is the future of public services?
The future of public services is uncertain. Some experts believe that public services will continue to be important, while others believe that they will be increasingly privatized.
Sure, here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Public Service:
- What is the capital of France?
- What is the chemical symbol for gold?
- What is the longest river in the world?
- What is the name of the current president of the United States?
- What is the name of the planet that is closest to the sun?
Answers:
1. Paris
2. Au
3. Nile
4. Joe Biden
5. Mercury
- What is the name of the largest country in the world by area?
- What is the name of the highest mountain in the world?
- What is the name of the largest ocean in the world?
- What is the name of the largest continent in the world by Population?
- What is the name of the largest city in the world by population?
Answers:
1. Russia
2. Mount Everest
3. Pacific Ocean
4. Asia
5. Tokyo
- What is the name of the most populous country in the world?
- What is the name of the most spoken language in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular religion in the world?
- What is the name of the most valuable currency in the world?
- What is the name of the most expensive painting in the world?
Answers:
1. China
2. Mandarin Chinese
3. Christianity
4. US dollar
5. The Mona Lisa
- What is the name of the most popular sport in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular team sport in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular individual sport in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular Olympic sport?
- What is the name of the most popular football club in the world?
Answers:
1. Football
2. Cricket
3. Tennis
4. Athletics
5. Real Madrid
- What is the name of the most popular movie of all time?
- What is the name of the most popular TV show of all time?
- What is the name of the most popular book of all time?
- What is the name of the most popular song of all time?
- What is the name of the most popular video game of all time?
Answers:
1. Avatar
2. Game of Thrones
3. The Bible
4. Happy Birthday to You
5. Tetris
- What is the name of the most popular website in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular Social Media platform in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular search engine in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular email service in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular operating system in the world?
Answers:
1. Google
2. Facebook
3. Google
4. Gmail
5. Windows
- What is the name of the most popular car in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular airplane in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular train in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular ship in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular rocket in the world?
Answers:
1. Toyota Corolla
2. Boeing 737
3. Shinkansen
4. Queen Mary 2
5. Falcon 9
- What is the name of the most popular smartphone in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular camera in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular laptop in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular tablet in the world?
- What is the name of the most popular smartwatch in the world?
Answers:
1. iPhone
2. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
3. MacBook Pro
4. iPad
5. Apple Watch