UPSC Mains 2016 GS4 Q3 — Justice and Codes
(a) Analyse John Rawls's concept of social justice in the Indian context. (150 words) 10 (b) Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission. (150 words) 10
Similar Previous Year Questions
-
GS4 2016 Q1 Ethics and Values
(a) Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. (150 words) 10 (b) Why should impartiality and non-partisanship be considered as foundational values in public services, especially in the present day socio-political context ? Illustrate your answer with examples. (150 words) 10
-
GS4 2017 Q2 Civil Service Values
Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service : (150 words) (a) Transparency (b) Accountability (c) Fairness and justice (d) Courage of conviction (e) Spirit of service
Related Prelims MCQs
Build factual foundation — these MCQs cover facts/concepts you'll need for this Mains question.
-
CAPF 2020 Social justice policies
The idea of social justice requires that 1. equal treatment be supplemented with principle of proportionality 2. due and equal consideration is given to all individuals 3. equality of treatment be tran¬scended to recognise special needs Select the correct answer using the code given below:
-
CDS-I 2016 Administrative machinery structure
The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2005) was concerned with :
-
CDS-II 2012 Directive Principles framework
Which among the following provisions of the Constitution of India is/are fulfilled by the National Social Assistance Programme launched by the Government of India? 1. Fundamental Rights 2. Fundamental Duties 3. Directive Principles of State Policy Select the correct answer using the code given below : Code :
-
CDS-II 2025 Preamble key terms
Which of the following statements with reference to the Preamble to the Constitution of India are correct ? 1. The word 'secular' comes before the word 'socialist'. 2. The word 'justice' comes before the word 'equality'. 3. The word 'fraternity' comes after the word 'liberty'. Select the answer using the code given below :
Source Map — where to read
"! 2022TEST PAPER • 1. "The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court." Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. [150 words] 10 • 2. "Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute.~ Comment. (150 words] 10 [150 words] 10 • 6. Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or State _ Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, …"
". The local self-governance system in India has not proved to be an effective instrument of governance. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. [150 words] 10 • 2. Critically examine the Supreme Court's judgement on 'National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014' with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. [150 words] 10 • 3. 'Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government's accountability to the people' Discus…"
"• 1. In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? 150 words • 2. Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in religious minority institutions? Examine. [150 words] elected government of Delhi? Examine. [250 words] 15 • 7. How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above,…"
"In the field of public service commissions, the Centre-state relations are as follows: (i) The Chairman and members of a state public service commission, though appointed by the governor of the state, can be removed only by the President. (ii) The Parliament can establish a Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) for two or more states on the request of the state legislatures concerned. The chairman and members of the JSPSC are appointed by the President.…"
"In the field of public service commissions, the Centre-state relations are as follows: (i) The Chairman and members of a state public service commission, though appointed by the governor of the state, can be removed only by the President. (ii) The Parliament can establish a Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) for two or more states on the request of the state legislatures concerned. The chairman and members of the JSPSC are appointed by the President.…"
How this topic is evolving
The focus has shifted from the theoretical foundations of social justice and civil service codes to their practical application in the digital age. Specifically, John Rawls's 'veil of ignorance' is now being tested against the 'precariat' status of gig workers and the use of technology like the SVAMITVA scheme to ensure property-based justice for the rural poor.
In the context of the shift from 'rule-based' to 'role-based' governance, evaluate how extending social security to gig workers aligns with John Rawls’s principles of social justice. Further, discuss the relevance of the 2nd ARC’s Public Service Code in ensuring accountability in a performance-driven, digital-first administration. (Answer in 250 words)
Why this framing: The extension of social security protections to 2.35 crore gig workers and the SVAMITVA drone-based property card scheme.
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- AnalyseDiscuss
- Scope keywords
- John Rawls's concept of social justiceIndian contextPublic Services Code2nd Administrative Reforms Commission
- Implicit sub-parts
- Explanation of Rawlsian principles: Liberty Principle, Difference Principle, and Fair Equality of Opportunity.
- Mapping Rawls to Indian Constitutional provisions like Directive Principles and Reservation Policy.
- The 'Veil of Ignorance' applied to Indian social hierarchies (Caste/Gender).
- Specific components of the 2nd ARC's Public Services Code (e.g., integrity, objectivity, empathy).
- The relevance of such a code in transforming colonial-era bureaucracy into a citizen-centric service.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending 100 words defining Rawls without ever mentioning India.
- Treating the 'Public Services Code' as a general essay on ethics instead of citing specific 2nd ARC recommendations.
- Confusing the Public Services Code with the existing Civil Service Conduct Rules (1964).
- Failing to connect Rawls's 'Difference Principle' specifically to Affirmative Action in India.
- Dimensions required
- Philosophical (Justice as Fairness)Constitutional (Fundamental Rights vs DPSP)Administrative (Institutional Ethics)Sociological (Addressing historical disadvantage)Legal/Regulatory (Proposed frameworks for accountability)
- Marks allocation hint
For (a), devote 50 words to Rawlsian theory and 100 words to Indian applications like PDS, MGNREGA, or Quotas. For (b), focus heavily on the 2nd ARC's specific pillars like 'public duty' and 'accountability' rather than generic moralizing, split equally between the code's content and its intended impact.
How examiners have framed this topic over the years
A transition from theoretical Western frameworks toward indigenized ethical values and the practical fiscal outcomes of justice.
The examiner’s framing has evolved from testing abstract philosophical theories like John Rawls's social justice in 2016 toward the practical application of 'fairness and justice' as a core civil service value in 2017. While the 2016 question focused on the formal structure of the Public Services Code via the 2nd ARC, 2018 saw a shift toward conceptual clarity by asking candidates to distinguish between 'Code of Ethics' and 'Code of Conduct.' Most recently, in 2024, the lens has moved from Western-centric paradigms to 'Indian culture and ethos' (BNS) and the fiscal consonance of public expenditure with inclusive growth, mirroring the 2018 GS1 shift comparing Western and Indian models of secularism.
PYQs this pattern was synthesized from
Answer Skeleton — fill this in
(a) John Rawls's Social Justice in the Indian Context
Introduction
John Rawls’s concept of "Justice as Fairness" posits that social and economic inequalities must benefit the least advantaged members of society [NCERT Political Theory, Ch.4].
Body
Constitutional Alignment with the Liberty Principle
- Fundamental Rights: Articles 14-21 prioritize basic liberties for all citizens regardless of social standing [Laxmikant, Ch.7].
- Equal Protection: Ensuring liberty is not compromised for administrative efficiency.
The Difference Principle and Affirmative Action
- Reservations: Article 15(4) and 16(4) mirror the "Maximin" strategy by uplifting the most disadvantaged [Laxmikant, Ch.10].
- Inclusive Growth: Targeted schemes like MGNREGA and PM-Kisan address structural inequalities [Economic Survey, Ch.10].
Fair Equality of Opportunity
- Human Capital: Investments in Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan provide a level playing field for competition.
- Health Equity: Ayushman Bharat aims to remove "natural lottery" barriers to well-being [Economic Survey, Ch.11].
Conclusion
Rawls’s theory provides the moral justification for India’s welfare state model, balancing individual merit with collective social equity to ensure a dignified life for the "last man."
(b) Public Services Code (2nd Administrative Reforms Commission)
Introduction
The 2nd ARC recommended a statutory Public Service Code to shift the focus of bureaucracy from mere rule-following to value-based professional ethics [2nd ARC 4th Report].
Body
Core Constitutional Values
- Integrity and Impartiality: Civil servants must uphold the Constitution and maintain political neutrality [2nd ARC 10th Report].
- Objectivity: Decisions should be based on merit, evidence, and transparency rather than discretion.
Statutory Enforcement
- Civil Services Bill: Recommendation to provide legal backing to the Code to ensure accountability [PRS Legislative Research].
- Disciplinary Links: Breach of the Code should carry professional consequences beyond the existing "Conduct Rules."
Public Interest and Compassion
- Service Orientation: Prioritizing the "Common Good" and exhibiting empathy towards the vulnerable sections.
- Accountability: Transitioning from "process-oriented" to "result-oriented" governance for the citizen.
Conclusion
Adopting the Public Service Code is essential for Refurbishing Personnel Administration, ensuring that civil servants act as custodians of public trust in a modern democracy.
Ready to practice?
Take this question, write your own answer in 150 words, and get an instant, rubric-based evaluation showing where you stand.
Open evaluation workspace →