Spirit of ‘Nagrikdevo Bhava’

Context: Prime Minister of India dedicated ‘Seva Teerth’ to the nation, emphasizing the guiding principle of ‘Nagrikdevo Bhava’ (Citizen is God).

• The initiative symbolically reinforces the government’s commitment to citizen-centric governance under the vision of India First.

About Spirit of ‘Nagrikdevo Bhava’:

What it is?

• ‘Nagrikdevo Bhava’ translates to “May the citizen be treated as God”, drawing inspiration from the ancient Indian ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava.

• It places the citizen at the center of governance, redefining public service as a sacred duty rather than mere administrative responsibility.

Philosophical Foundation

• Rooted in Indian civilizational values, particularly the concept of Seva (selfless service) and Dharma (duty-bound conduct).

• Resonates with Gandhian philosophy of Antyodaya, which prioritizes the welfare of the last person.

• Aligns with the constitutional morality embedded in Articles 14 and 21, ensuring dignity and equality of every citizen.

• Reflects the ethical dimension of governance where public office is seen as a trust (Lok Seva).

Significance:

• Citizen-Centric Governance: Reinforces service delivery reforms like Digital India, Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity, and Direct Benefit Transfer.

• Administrative Accountability: Encourages transparency, responsiveness, and grievance redressal mechanisms.

• Moral Legitimacy of State Power: Shifts governance from authority-driven to service-driven administration.

• Inclusive Development: Supports the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision by ensuring that growth benefits every citizen.

Relevance in UPSC Examination Syllabus

• GS Paper II: Polity & Governance

• Citizen-centric governance, transparency, accountability, and public service ethics. Role of civil services in a democracy; welfare schemes and inclusive development. Constitutional values and principles of justice, equality, and dignity.

• Citizen-centric governance, transparency, accountability, and public service ethics.

• Role of civil services in a democracy; welfare schemes and inclusive development.

• Constitutional values and principles of justice, equality, and dignity.

• GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

• Concepts of Seva, Compassion, Duty, and Integrity in public service. Case studies related to citizen-first governance and moral leadership. Emotional intelligence and empathy in administration.

• Concepts of Seva, Compassion, Duty, and Integrity in public service.

• Case studies related to citizen-first governance and moral leadership.

• Emotional intelligence and empathy in administration.