In a modern democratic polity, there is the concept of political executive and permanent executive. Elected people’s representatives form the political executive and bureaucracy forms the permanent executive. Ministers frame policy decisions and bureaucrats execute these. In the initial decades after independence, relationship between the permanent executive and the political executive were characterized by mutual understanding, respect and co-operation, without encroaching upon each others domain. However, in the subsequent decades, the situation has changed. There are instances of the political executive insisting upon the permanent executive to follow its agenda. Respect for and appreciation of upright bureaucrats has declined. There is an increasing tendency among the political executive to get involved in routine administrative matters such as transfers, postings etc. Under this scenario, there is a difinitive trend towards ‘politicization of bureaucracy’. The rising materialism and acquisitiveness in social life has also adversely impacted upon the ethical values of both the permanent executive and the political executive.
What are the consequences of this ‘politicization of bureaucracy’? Discuss.(250 words) [UPSC 2019]
Consequences of the Politicization of Bureaucracy
The politicization of bureaucracy refers to the increasing interference of the political executive in the functioning of the permanent executive, which can have several significant consequences:
1. Erosion of Administrative Neutrality
Politicization leads to the compromise of the bureaucracy’s neutrality and impartiality. Bureaucrats who are influenced by political motives may prioritize the interests of the ruling party over public welfare. This undermines the core principle of bureaucracy which is to act impartially and based on merit. For example, the transfer and posting of officials based on political loyalty rather than competence can diminish the effectiveness of administration.
2. Decline in Administrative Efficiency
When political considerations overshadow professional expertise, the efficiency of administrative functioning suffers. Officials who are appointed or retained based on political connections may lack the necessary skills or experience. This can result in poor policy implementation and management. The recent controversy over the transfer of senior police officers in various states, often driven by political agendas, illustrates how such decisions can disrupt administrative continuity and effectiveness.
3. Increased Corruption and Favoritism
Politicization often leads to corruption and favoritism as bureaucrats may seek to gain favor with politicians in exchange for personal benefits or to avoid punitive actions. The siphoning of funds meant for development projects due to corrupt practices is a manifestation of this trend. The adverse impact of this can be seen in various instances, such as the allegations of corruption in the implementation of welfare schemes.
4. Undermining Public Trust
When the bureaucracy is perceived to be biased towards political interests, it can undermine public trust in governmental institutions. People may lose confidence in the fairness of administrative processes, leading to increased cynicism and disengagement from governance. Recent public criticisms regarding the handling of electoral processes and administrative actions further reflect this decline in trust.
5. Weakening of Democratic Institutions
The politicization of bureaucracy can also weaken democratic institutions by creating a culture where administrative decisions are based on political expediency rather than public interest. This affects the overall stability and integrity of democratic governance.
In conclusion, the politicization of bureaucracy disrupts the balance between political and permanent executives, leading to compromised administrative effectiveness, increased corruption, and a loss of public trust in democratic institutions. Addressing these issues requires reinforcing the principle of neutrality in the bureaucracy and ensuring that political interference is minimized to uphold the integrity of governance.
Model Answer
Introduction
The trend of politicization of bureaucracy occurs when political considerations overshadow merit-based appointments and decision-making. This shift has significant consequences, including a decline in meritocracy, erosion of neutrality, loss of expertise, administrative inefficiency, weakened institutional autonomy, and public distrust.
Consequences of Politicization
Conclusion
The politicization of bureaucracy poses significant challenges to governance, including diminished meritocracy, compromised neutrality, loss of expertise, reduced efficiency, weakened institutional autonomy, and growing public distrust. Maintaining the independence and professionalism of the bureaucracy is essential for effective and accountable governance.