Civil Servants in Lockdown: Roles, Challenges, and Contributions

During the lockdown, a significant focus for civil servants is how to use their time effectively to contribute to society in meaningful ways. This article delves into the roles, challenges, and contributions of civil servants during the pandemic.

Civil Servants and Their Roles

The civil service can be broadly classified into two categories: essential and non-essential services. The government’s circular clearly defines these roles. Essential services are those that are vital for the functioning of society, including those related to treasury expenditures, law and order, and public health. In contrast, non-essential services, such as those related to revenue generation, may be paused or temporarily modified.

Essential Civil Service: Ensuring Public Welfare

For civil servants in essential services, their role has taken on an added layer of complexity during the lockdown. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the staff and the public is paramount. This article highlights the contributions of one civil servant during the lockdown and how they have been utilizing their time effectively.

Connecting and Contributing

The author of this piece is a Civil Revenue Official (Indian Revenue Service, IRS) dedicated to bringing in revenues to support public services. During the lockdown, they have been:

Connecting with fraternity officers and staff to ensure the basic necessities of the most vulnerable staff members. Contributing to voluntary funds to assist daily wagers and those without homes. Dedicating time to mental and physical well-being through yoga and learning new life skills. Practising yoga - yoga provides mental calm and is a simple form of exercise that can be done while following social distancing guidelines. Learning cooking - helping to relieve the burden on family members and learning a life skill. Learning an instrument - such as the piano, through online platforms like Udemy. Reading - catching up on diverse interests and knowledge. Contributing to the public via Quora by helping out aspirants.

Understanding the Role of Civil Servants

While civil servants are working to ensure the smooth functioning of essential services, it’s important to understand their broader role. The IRS, for example, brings in revenues used to fund important public services. Their work is often unseen and underappreciated, but

Direct and Indirect Contributions

Revenues: The IRS directly contributes to the revenue that supports these essential services, providing a safety net for those in need. Collaborative Efforts: Through donations and support, civil servants contribute to broader societal goals. Preventive Measures: Prior to the pandemic, civil servants worked to ensure the necessary funding and resources were in place for a swift and effective response.

Conclusion

In conclusion, civil servants during the lockdown are making significant contributions in both direct and indirect ways. Understanding these roles and contributions is crucial for anyone preparing for civil services or aiming to become a good civil servant in the long run. This nuanced understanding helps in preparing for the challenges and responsibilities of public service.