Exam Time Synopsis:
| Introduction | The civil service system is the backbone of the administrative machinery of the Indian nation. |
| Evolution of Civil Services in India | Origin→ Mauryan time. Kautilya’s Arthshastra dictates certain norms and conditions.
In Medieval time, strengthened by Mughals for controlling the Kingdom. Modern form evolved during British imperialism. In 1947, free-India inherited the Indian Civil Service (ICS). |
| Constitutional Provisions | Article 309: Powers of Parliament and state legislatures; Article 310: Doctrine of Pleasure; Article 311: Dismissal, removal or reduction in rank; Article 312: Creation of new All India service; Article 315 to 322: Deals with Public Service commissions; Article 323A: Administrative Tribunals |
| What role does it play? | Basis of government; An instrument for implementing Laws and Policies; Participation in policy formulation; Provides continuity; Role in socio-economic development; Developing a sense of nationhood; Facilitating democracy; Calamities and crisis; The civil servants settle disputes between the citizens and the state. |
| What is expected from Civil Servants? | Honest intellectuals; purposeful persons; no-compromise-on-values attitude; sincerity; Decision-making; Integrity; commitment to the common good; questioning; conscientiousness; ability to think positive; neutrality and impartiality; credibility. |
| Constraints | the mismatch between positions and skillsets; Lack of professionalism and poor capacity building; Ineffective incentive system; Rigid and outmoded rules and procedures; Lack of accountability and transparency procedure; Political interference; Erosion in ethics and values. |
| Reforms Suggested | Suggested by 2nd ARC and NITI Aayog’s Strategy for New India @ 75– code of ethics; Civil Services Authority; appraisal system; no to political interference; capacity building; degree course for civil services; mid-service training and examinations; specialization; accountability; procedure for transfer, removal or termination; new Civil Services Bill; proper incentivisation; lateral entry. |