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    Chandan Singh

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    Civil Services Role

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    Civil Services Role

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    Chandan Singh

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    Role of Civil Services in a Democracy

    clearias.com/role-of-civil-services-in-a-democracy/

    November 12,
    2014

    Indian state has three typical branches – Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. Executive is
    responsible to Legislature while Legislature is responsible to people.

    By Executive here we meant Political Executive – the ministers. Political executives are
    not permanent, and in Indian scenario, since the Lok Sabha and State Legislative
    Assemblies are elected only for 5 years, there is chance of change in the political
    executives, every five years.

    But there is another line of executives too in India, a permanent one. They are called Civil
    Servants. Civil Servants are accountable to ministers (political executives).

    Importance of the topic: Mentioned in the syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains GS2
    paper. Also an essential topic in GS4 (ethics) paper.

    Difference between Indian Civil Services and American Civil


    Services
    Though civil servants are there in almost all countries, the selection and nature of job
    differs. The main difference between Indian and US system are as below:

    UPSC Prelims 2020 Test Series - Register Now!


    Indian Civil Services are permanent. US Civil Servants in higher echelons change
    with government (spoils system).
    Indian system is based on merit, judged through competitive exams. US system, at-
    least in higher civil services, is given as a reward for favors done to the political
    executives.

    Advantages of Indian Civil Services System

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    1. Chance of nepotism and corruption
    in spoils system. Indian system is
    designed to be impartial and
    permanent.
    2. A permanent civil service provides
    continuity and develops expertise as
    well as institutional memory for
    effective policy making.
    3. A permanent executive looks at long
    term social pay-offs. (Political
    executives often look at short term
    gains).
    4. Brings uniformity in public administration and also acts as a unifying force.
    5. A permanent civil service like any other reputable profession is likely to evolve over
    time an ethical basis for its functioning.

    Accountability of a civil servant


    In any democracy, Ministers are responsible to the people through Parliament and
    therefore the civil servants have to be accountable to the Minister.
    However, an impartial civil service is responsible not only to the government of the
    day but
    to the Constitution of the land to which they have taken an oath of loyalty.
    At the same time, implementing the policies of the duly elected government is a
    core function of civil servants.
    Civil Servants (Eg: Secretaries) have the constitutional mandate to advice the
    political executives (ministers).

    Role of Civil Services in Indian Democracy


    Give advice to political executives.
    Assist the political executive to: (a) Formulate policy (b) Implement policy.

    NB: Qualities expected from Civil Servants: Knowledge, experience, understanding of


    public affairs etc.

    Constitutional Provisions Related to Civil Services in India


    In terms of Articles 53 and 154, the executive power of the Union and the States
    vests in the President or Governor directly or through officers subordinate to
    him. These officers constitute the permanent civil service and are governed by Part
    XIV of the Constitution (Services under the Union and States (Article 308-323)).
    Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules: Work is allocated among
    Ministers as per the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules.

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    Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules: The manner in which the
    officers are required to help the President or Governor to exercise his/her
    executive functions is governed by the Government of India (Transaction of
    Business) Rules.
    Article 308 – Definition of state.
    Article 310 – Tenure of office of persons serving the Union or a State.
    Article 311 – Dismissal, removal or reduction in rank of persons employed in civil
    capacities under the Union or a State.
    Article 312 – All India Services.
    Article 313 – Transitional Provisions.

    Sample Questions Related to ‘Role of Civil Services in a


    Democracy’ : For GS2 or GS4
    Qn 1: A healthy working relationship between Ministers and civil servants is critical
    for good
    governance. Comment:
    Qn 2: The phenomenon of ‘politicisation of the civil service’ is rising in India.
    Comment.
    Qn 3: The relationship between the Secretary and the Minister should be organic.
    Comment.

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