{"id":23677,"date":"2024-01-27T07:28:45","date_gmt":"2024-01-27T07:28:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=23677"},"modified":"2024-01-27T07:30:39","modified_gmt":"2024-01-27T07:30:39","slug":"initially-civil-services-in-india-were-designed-to-achieve-the-goals-of-neutrality-and-effectiveness-which-seems-to-be-lacking-in-the-present-context-do-you-agree-with-the-view-that-drastic-reforms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/initially-civil-services-in-india-were-designed-to-achieve-the-goals-of-neutrality-and-effectiveness-which-seems-to-be-lacking-in-the-present-context-do-you-agree-with-the-view-that-drastic-reforms\/","title":{"rendered":"Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services? Comment. (250 words, 15 marks)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-gs-advance-and-mentorship-program-ampcsat?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Link&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Advanced\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The inception of Civil Services in India was marked by a visionary intent to establish a bureaucracy that would operate with unwavering neutrality and unparalleled effectiveness in serving the nation. Over the years, however, the landscape has undergone significant transformations, raising questions about the contemporary relevance of the Civil Services in fulfilling their originally envisaged objectives. The prevailing sentiment among many observers is that the current state of Civil Services falls short of the ideals that shaped its formation. The need for drastic reforms is increasingly perceived as imperative to address the apparent deviations from the foundational principles of neutrality and effectiveness. While the Civil Services have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in India&#8217;s governance structure, various challenges such as bureaucratic red tape, political interference, and systemic inefficiencies have emerged, leading to a growing consensus on the necessity for comprehensive reforms. This essay explores the nuances of this debate, examining the arguments both in favor of and against the proposition that drastic reforms are indispensable for reinvigorating the Civil Services in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tag: <\/strong>Governance.\u00a0<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e3545ae0e02\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e3545ae0e02\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/initially-civil-services-in-india-were-designed-to-achieve-the-goals-of-neutrality-and-effectiveness-which-seems-to-be-lacking-in-the-present-context-do-you-agree-with-the-view-that-drastic-reforms\/#Decoding_the_Question\" title=\"Decoding the Question:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Decoding the Question:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/initially-civil-services-in-india-were-designed-to-achieve-the-goals-of-neutrality-and-effectiveness-which-seems-to-be-lacking-in-the-present-context-do-you-agree-with-the-view-that-drastic-reforms\/#Answer\" title=\"Answer:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Answer:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/initially-civil-services-in-india-were-designed-to-achieve-the-goals-of-neutrality-and-effectiveness-which-seems-to-be-lacking-in-the-present-context-do-you-agree-with-the-view-that-drastic-reforms\/#The_Issues_in_Civil_Services\" title=\"The Issues in Civil Services:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\">The Issues in Civil Services:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/initially-civil-services-in-india-were-designed-to-achieve-the-goals-of-neutrality-and-effectiveness-which-seems-to-be-lacking-in-the-present-context-do-you-agree-with-the-view-that-drastic-reforms\/#Required_Reforms_in_Civil_Services\" title=\"Required Reforms in Civil Services:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Required Reforms in Civil Services:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/initially-civil-services-in-india-were-designed-to-achieve-the-goals-of-neutrality-and-effectiveness-which-seems-to-be-lacking-in-the-present-context-do-you-agree-with-the-view-that-drastic-reforms\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/initially-civil-services-in-india-were-designed-to-achieve-the-goals-of-neutrality-and-effectiveness-which-seems-to-be-lacking-in-the-present-context-do-you-agree-with-the-view-that-drastic-reforms\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decoding_the_Question\"><\/span><strong>Decoding the Question:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>In the Introduction, try to briefly write about the Civil Services and its goal.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>In Body,<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Mention various issues in the present Civil Services.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Suggest some reforms that are required in Civil Services.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>In Conclusion, try to write about the relevance of the Civil Services.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Answer\"><\/span><strong>Answer:&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The civil service in India, regarded as the<strong> \u2018steel frame\u2019<\/strong> of administration, is today battling against onslaughts to its relevance. As the primary arm of government, the civil services <strong>must reform to keep pace with the changing times<\/strong> to meet the aspirations of the people.NITI Aayog in a landmark 2018 report, The\u202fStrategy for New India @ 75, stressed the need for reforms to ensure more effective and efficient delivery of public services to achieve the development goals.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Issues_in_Civil_Services\"><\/span><strong>The Issues in Civil Services:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>According to the Baswan Committee Report (2016),<\/strong> there is a shortage of personnel in the middle and higher levels of service, which leads to delays in service and a burden on existing staff.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>Career-based civil services coupled with excessive job security have led to a sense of complacency and lack of accountability amongst civil servants.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>Goal displacement due to emphasis on rules rather than results \u2013 with rules becoming an end in themselves.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>The current system of training for the civil services does not adequately reflect changes in the socio-economic scenario and the emerging new challenges render conventional approaches and practices of administration obsolete and dysfunctional.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>The ivory-tower approach of civil servants due to disconnect from ground realities is reflected in their ineffective policy making. There is a marked lack of a citizen-centric approach which is essential to understanding and redressing the problems of the poor and the weaker sections.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>Lack of stability of tenure due to the government&#8217;s inherent right to transfer a civil servant prevents the incumbent from learning on the job, developing his\/her capacity, and then contributing in the best possible manner.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>Political interference in the form of arbitrary and whimsical transfers to ensure administrative acquiescence prevents the civil servant from acting neutrally.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>The promise of post-retirement appointments to statutory commissions, quasi-judicial tribunals, constitutional authorities, or contesting election for a political office on the ticket of a political party prevents the civil servant from acting impartially.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>Promotions hinge on several factors such as patronage versus merit.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/10.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42412 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/10.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/10-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/10-585x137.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/300;\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Link&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\">UPSC Essay Course<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Required_Reforms_in_Civil_Services\"><\/span><strong>Required Reforms in Civil Services:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The <strong>mid-career training<\/strong> should be conducted to develop the domain of knowledge and competence required.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>A <strong>National Institute of Good Governance<\/strong> can be set up by upgrading one of the existing institutes, to identify, document, and disseminate best practices and also conduct training programmes.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Aptitude and leadership tests<\/strong> should be introduced for selection, after the commencement of training to exercise their option for Services.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>There should be <strong>rationalization and harmonization of services<\/strong>, to reduce the number of separate services.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>The use of information and communication technologies<\/strong> (ICT) to transform Government by making it more accessible, effective, and accountable.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>There should be a <strong>system of performance assessment<\/strong> in which greater emphasis is placed on objective assessment against agreed work plans.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>Employment<strong> on contract basis<\/strong> should be encouraged and Government employees should have the right to retain their lien for two years in case they wish to migrate to the private sector.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Domain assignment<\/strong> should be introduced for civil servants to encourage acquisition of skills, professional excellence, and career planning.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>An impartial <strong>Civil Services Board<\/strong> should be established to look after all the aspects related to promotions, transfers, posting, and suspensions.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>Strengthening and <strong>streamlining reporting mechanisms, fast-tracking departmental inquiries<\/strong>, linking performance with incentives, and overhauling employee grievance procedures to ensure accountability.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A well-functioning <strong>Civil Service has a crucial role in Good Governance and the formation of a New India<\/strong>. It must keep pace with the changing times to meet the aspirations of the people. Initiatives like Mission Karmayogi, etc., shifted the focus from Rule-based working to Role-based working. The implementation of recommendations <strong>of the 2nd ARC, Hota Committee report,<\/strong> etc., can further bring transformational changes in the Civil service capacity. Therefore, the purpose of \u2018reform\u2019 is to reorient the civil services into a dynamic, efficient, and accountable apparatus for public service delivery built on the ethos and values of impartiality, neutrality, and effectiveness. Holistic reforms are needed, cutting across dimensions of training (domain competence), promotion (performance related), tenure (stable), and interface with citizens (sensitivity training), etc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688 lazyload\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 781px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 781\/182;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. Learn through Videos &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vOD8sU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Q9z2nF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>3. Daily Newsletter &#8211; Get all your Current Affairs Covered &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3bE2y5J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>4. Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The inception of Civil Services in India was marked by a visionary intent to establish a bureaucracy that would operate with unwavering neutrality and unparalleled effectiveness in serving the nation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":23678,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1500],"tags":[1521,176,142,232,145,140],"class_list":["post-23677","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-upsc-mains-solved-paper-gs-2","tag-civil-services-in-india","tag-general-studies-2","tag-previous_year_questions","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-mains-question-paper","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23677","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23677"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23677\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23680,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23677\/revisions\/23680"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23678"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}