A case study is a comprehensive and in-depth examination of a particular subject, often within its real-life context. It serves as a methodological tool to explore, analyze, and understand complex issues or phenomena, ranging from individual experiences to organizational challenges. Typically employed in various academic disciplines, business settings, and scientific research, a case study involves an extensive investigation that aims to provide a detailed account of the subject under scrutiny. By delving into the intricate details of a specific case, researchers can uncover valuable insights, draw conclusions, and offer practical solutions. This method offers a holistic approach, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing the subject, making it an invaluable tool for gaining knowledge and informing decision-making processes.
Q10. In a modern democratic polity, there is a concept of the political executive and permanent executive elected people’s representatives form the political executive and bureaucracy form the permanent executive. Ministers frame policy decisions and bureaucrats execute these. In the initial decades after independence, the relationship between the permanent executives and the political executives were characterized by mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation, without encroaching upon each other’s domain.
However, in subsequent decades, the situation has changed. There are instances of the political executive insisting upon the permanent executives to follow its agenda. Respect for an appreciation of upright bureaucrats has declined. There is an increasing tendency among the political executive to get involved in routine administrative matters such as transfers, posting etc. Under this scenario, there is a definitive trend towards ‘politicization of bureaucracy’. The rising materialism and acquisitiveness in social life has also adversely impacted upon the ethical values of both the permanent executive and the political executive.
What are the consequences of this ‘politicization of bureaucracy? Discuss. (250 Words, 20 Marks)
Tag: Case Study
Cooperation between elected representatives and bureaucrats is essential for democratic governance of the country. However, due to the ‘politicization of bureaucracy’, there is a deterioration in the functioning of the civil services. In a democracy, power lies with the people. Such power is exercised through its elected representatives with the mandate to govern people for a specific duration. The public services by its knowledge, understanding, and experience of public affairs support the elected representatives in policy framing and implementation.
Some advantages of having an independent, permanent, and impartial civil service are as follows:
- The spoils system tends to turn into a system of nepotism, patronage, and corruption.
- Public policy is becoming complex day by day demanding detailed knowledge and expertise in the public arena. A permanent public service is benefited with continuity and develops expertise as well as institutional learning for effective policy formulation.
- An impartial civil service is more likely to assess the long-term social payoffs of any policy whereas the political executive may have a tendency to look for short term political gain.
- A permanent public service helps to ensure consistency in the administration and also acts as a unifying force in a vast and culturally diverse nation like India.
- Civil service is likely to evolve with an ethical basis for its functioning.
Values involved in the case:
- Political neutrality and impartiality
- Integrity and probity
- Courage of conviction
- Following the code of conduct
- Legal responsibility
Consequences of politicization of bureaucracy:
- Detrimental to the moral fiber of bureaucrats: Even honest civil servants with political leanings have compulsion to take biased decisions in favor of one political group.
- Personal Vs. Professional Dilemma: A bureaucrat indulged in material benefits has to compromise with his conscience merely for outside reality, thereby disturbing his mental peace and work ethics. The person loses self respect and trust of his family and children who inculcate such inadequate values from him.
- Impact on governance: Partiality in functioning of public servants has a direct bearing on their decisions in daily administration.
- Chaotic situations: Problematic circumstances like communal riots demand officers with political neutrality. Partial decisions can lead to loss of lives and property. Therefore, a public servant should be accountable for his decisions in such situations.
- Policy paralysis: red-tapism and culture of secrecy in their decision-making due to the fear of political revenge against non-cooperative officers in the form of frequent transfers, delay in promotions, etc.
Therefore, a civil servant must be politically neutral. As a civil servant, one has a responsibility towards the public and must adhere to constitutional principles keeping his conscience intact. His primary job is to perform Nishkama Karma (selfless and desireless duty). He must be rational, exemplary, and committed to the public
cause. Materialistic things charm anyone only for a short span and in the long run a person derives satisfaction by doing his job honestly and making positive contributions to the lives of others. Therefore, civil servants and even politicians should stay away from material gains.
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