Q16.“Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption” Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer (150 words).

I agree with the view that non-performance of duty by a public servant is indeed a form of corruption. It represents a subtle yet insidious erosion of ethical governance.

Breach of Public Trust and Social Contract

Public servants are custodians of public trust, paid to deliver services and uphold the social contract. Non-performance directly breaches this trust, denying citizens their legitimate rights and entitlements.

Misuse of Public Resources

This inaction constitutes a misuse of public resources, including salaries, infrastructure, and time, all funded by taxpayers. It leads to systemic inefficiency, delays, and the denial of essential services, causing significant public hardship.

Ethical and Governance Implications

Ethically, it violates fundamental values like integrity, diligence, accountability, and public interest. Often termed 'passive corruption' or 'corruption of inaction', it fosters injustice, hinders development, and severely erodes public faith in institutions.

Thus, while not always involving direct financial gain, the detrimental impact of non-performance on governance and public welfare is profound, necessitating robust accountability mechanisms.