Demand of the Question:
The question first requires briefly establishing that constitutional morality is cultivated rather than instinctive, shaped through civil education, institutions, and adherence to the rule of law. The core demand is to examine how constitutional morality enables public servants to promote good governance and accountability.
Introduction:
Constitutional morality denotes an internalised respect for constitutional values such as rule of law, equality, impartiality, fraternity, and institutional accountability, going beyond mere legal compliance. According to Dr B. R. Ambedkar, it can be cultivated through civic education and disciplined adherence to law.
Role of social institutions in building civic sense and abiding by rule of law (Can make a diagram as well)
Family : Respecting elders, minimising use of resources like water, cleanliness
Schools/colleges: Group activities, learning democratic principles, informed citizenry
Society: Residential clubs, celebrating days of national importance, civil society groups
Professional space: Gender equality, peaceful conflict resolution, following the system
Civil servants training: law awareness, field visit, citizen’s charter, code of ethics, LBSNAA modules, 360 deg feedback
Significance of Constitutional Morality for Public Servants:
- Upholding Rule of Law
- Embeds due process and limits discretion within constitutional boundaries.
Eg: Following Code of Conduct will reduce arbitrariness.
- Impartiality and Equality in Administration
- Converts equality from a legal rule into a moral duty, restraining bias and patronage.
Eg: SECC-based beneficiary selection under PM Awas Yojana prioritises deprivation over identity.
- Secularism in State Action
- Ensures religion-neutral governance, strengthening social trust.
Eg: Banning religious superstitions.
- Rule-Based and Predictable Governance
- Promotes procedural discipline and reduces arbitrariness in decision-making.
Eg: Government e-Marketplace (GeM) standardising public procurement.
- Political Neutrality of Civil Services
- Reinforces loyalty to the Constitution rather than the ruling regime.
Eg: Impartial enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct by district administrations.
- Institutional Accountability and Fiscal Integrity
- Strengthens answerability to oversight institutions and taxpayers.
Eg: Compliance with CAG audit observations in public spending.
- Moral Courage under Pressure
- Enables officials to uphold constitutional values despite personal or political costs.
Eg: IAS officer Ashok Khemka’s stand on land records despite repeated transfers.
Conclusion:
Dr. Ambedkar viewed fraternity as the soul of the Constitution, sustained through constitutional morality. When consciously cultivated and internalised by public servants, it transforms rule into service through ethical governance than mere conformity to rule.