Q8.What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of public service ? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants?

Accountability in public service means the obligation of public servants to explain and justify their actions, decisions, and performance to relevant stakeholders (public, legislature, superiors). It requires accepting responsibility for outcomes, including consequences of failure, encompassing both answerability (providing information) and enforceability (liability to sanctions).

Measures for Ensuring Individual Accountability of Public Servants

• Performance appraisals, strict codes of conduct, and disciplinary actions.
• RTI Act, robust grievance redressal mechanisms, and whistle-blower protection.

Measures for Ensuring Collective Accountability of Public Servants

• Parliamentary oversight, departmental reviews, and independent audit mechanisms (e.g., CAG).
• Citizen charters, social audits, e-governance initiatives, and independent regulatory bodies.

Ensuring accountability is crucial for fostering transparency, ethical conduct, efficiency, public trust, and ultimately, good governance.