Roadmap for Answer Writing

Introduction

• Define Anonymity: Briefly explain what anonymity means in the context of civil services—public servants working behind the scenes without personal recognition.
• Thesis Statement: State that while anonymity may seem limiting, it serves as a crucial strength for civil services, especially in light of social media.

Body

1. Strengths of Anonymity in Civil Services

• Fearless Functioning:
  • Fact: Anonymity allows public servants to work without the influence of public sentiment and political pressures.
  • Source: Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI).
• Alignment with Parliamentary Governance:
  • Fact: In a parliamentary system, ministers are accountable to the public, while bureaucrats are accountable to their superiors, maintaining a clear distinction.
  • Source: Institute of Governance Studies (IGS).
• Discipline and Morale:
  • Fact: Anonymity helps protect civil servants from public criticism, thereby preserving their morale and integrity.
  • Source: World Bank study on public sector management.
• Bipartisan Cooperation:
  • Fact: Anonymity allows civil servants to provide impartial advice to different political parties, ensuring effective governance.
  • Source: Expert analyses on civil service neutrality.

2. Challenges Posed by Social Media

• Increased Scrutiny:
  • Fact: Social media has heightened public interest in government affairs, often revealing the identities of civil servants.
  • Source: Reports on media influence in politics.
• Name and Blame Culture:
  • Fact: Politicians increasingly name civil servants in public criticisms, shifting accountability away from themselves.
  • Source: Academic research on political accountability.
• Direct Media Engagement:
  • Fact: Some civil servants bypass official channels to express grievances, undermining the traditional structure of accountability.
  • Source: Centre for Policy Research (CPR) analysis.
• Collusion and Bias:
  • Fact: Instances of civil servants colluding with political parties for personal gain can compromise their neutrality.
  • Source: Investigative journalism reports.

Conclusion

• Restate Thesis: Summarize how anonymity is a double-edged sword—while it provides essential strengths to civil services, the challenges posed by social media cannot be ignored.
• Call for Balance: Suggest the need for a balanced approach that protects the integrity of civil services while acknowledging the realities of a digital age.