Role of Civil Services in a Democratic Set-Up: Special Reference to India

1. Function as the Administrative Backbone (Administrative Backbone):

• Implementation of Policies: Civil services execute government policies and programs, ensuring that democratic decisions are translated into practical actions. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, civil servants managed health responses and vaccination drives effectively across states.
• Example: The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) has been implemented through the civil services to provide employment and ensure social security in rural areas.

2. Maintaining Law and Order (Law and Order):

• Maintaining Peace: Civil services, including the police and administrative officers, maintain law and order, which is essential for the functioning of democracy.
• Example: During the farmers’ protests of 2020-21, civil services played a crucial role in managing protests and facilitating dialogue between the government and the farmers.

3. Supporting Governance and Development (Governance and Development):

• Service Delivery: Civil servants ensure the efficient delivery of essential services such as education, health, and infrastructure, thereby fostering development and good governance.
• Example: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) aims to provide affordable housing, and civil servants oversee its implementation and monitoring at the grassroots level.

4. Promoting Accountability and Transparency (Accountability and Transparency):

• Ensuring Good Governance: Civil services are accountable for their actions and must work transparently, which helps in maintaining public trust and democratic integrity.
• Example: The Right to Information Act (RTI) empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, with civil servants obligated to provide information as mandated.

Conclusion: In a democratic setup like India’s, civil services are crucial for implementing policies, maintaining law and order, supporting governance and development, and ensuring accountability. Their role is fundamental to the effective functioning of democracy and the delivery of public services.