“Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent.” Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. (150 words)
The statement highlights that rigid adherence to rules (Form) without understanding the real purpose (Substance) can lead to injustice. A perceptive civil servant prioritizes the intent over mere formalities.
Examining the Statement:
- Addressing People’s Needs: A civil servant focusing solely on paperwork might delay welfare benefits for marginalized groups, missing the real purpose of the scheme. For instance, strict documentation requirements may deny rightful access to ration cards, while a perceptive officer would find ways to help beneficiaries.
- Disaster Relief: During natural disasters, insisting on formal procedures can delay aid distribution. A perceptive civil servant bypassing red tape ensures timely relief, aligning with the true intent of saving lives.
- Implementing Policies with Empathy: When enforcing land acquisition, a literal approach could ignore farmers’ grievances. A perceptive officer balances legal requirements with fair compensation, ensuring justice.
Conclusion: A perceptive civil servant prioritizes substance, ensuring justice, efficiency, and humane governance.
