Clean governance? Narendra Modi issues new directives for civil servants

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a list of 19 rules for all the bureaucrats with the aim to deliver clean and efficient governance. Reportedly, the new rules asked the civil servants to make sure that all policy decisions are guided only by "public interest" and they must function with total "political neutrality.

According to reports, the rules require officers to maintain confidentiality in government matters, particularly those that relate to national security; concern strategic, scientific or economic interests of the nation; friendly ties with foreign countries etc.

During his election campaign, Modi had vowed to forge and exercise a zero-tolerance policy for corruption among politicians and bureaucrats.

The rules also require bureaucrats to display high degree of professionalism; follow the Constitution; uphold sovereignty and integrity of the country; retain integrity in public service; be fair and impartial in their conduct, predominantly with the poor and under-privileged.

The government included these changes in the All India Services (Conduct) rules.

For now the rules are only applicable for IAS, IPS and IFS officers. Later on, these will be followed by all officials.