Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Define the concept of the “steel frame” of governance in India: A non-partisan, impartial, and efficient bureaucracy envisioned by the framers of the Constitution to ensure stable and effective governance.
• Briefly introduce the concept of politicization of civil services, where political influence interferes with the functioning of the bureaucracy.

Relevant Fact: The “steel frame” metaphor was coined by Sardar Patel to describe the role of the Indian Civil Services in maintaining governance post-independence.

2. How Politicization Undermines the Steel Frame of Governance

• Loss of Neutrality: Politicization distorts the impartiality of civil servants, who are meant to serve the public interest rather than political agendas.
  • Example: In the 2G spectrum allocation case, bureaucrats from the Telecom Ministry compromised their decision-making under political pressure.
  • Fact: In the 2G case, it was revealed that bureaucrats had acted in ways that benefitted political allies, which resulted in significant financial and governance losses.
• Widespread Corruption: Political interference fosters corruption by pressuring civil servants to engage in unethical practices, such as bribery or favoritism.
  • Fact: The Global Corruption Barometer-Asia Survey (2020) found that 39% of Indians reported paying bribes to access public services. Additionally, 46% said they relied on personal connections to get government services.
• Impact on Morale of Civil Servants: Political interference in appointments, transfers, and promotions can demoralize civil servants, leading to dissatisfaction and a lack of commitment to public service.
  • Example: IAS officer Ashok Khemka has been transferred 56 times over 30 years, demonstrating how political influence undermines career stability and morale.
• Discontinuity in Policy Implementation: Frequent political reshuffles of bureaucrats lead to policy discontinuity, which hampers long-term developmental projects and governance.
  • Fact: After each new government formation at the state or central level, mass reshuffles of civil servants are common, disrupting ongoing initiatives and policies.

3. Steps to Mitigate the Impact of Politicization

• Transparent Appointments and Promotions: Ensure that civil service appointments and promotions are based on merit and are not subject to political influence.
  • Example: The Prakash Singh Judgment (2006) recommended independent bodies like the State Security Commissions for overseeing police appointments, which can be adapted for other civil services.
• Post-Retirement Cooling-Off Period: To prevent former bureaucrats from immediately joining political positions, a cooling-off period should be enforced.
  • Example: The Hota Committee (2004) recommended a two-year cooling-off period before retiring officers can be appointed as Governors, which should be extended to other posts.
• Strengthening Accountability: Establish clear guidelines for ethical conduct and accountability in civil services to prevent political interference.
  • Fact: The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2005-2009) recommended that public service values be defined by law and that bureaucrats be punished for violations.
• Training and Sensitization Programs: Civil servants should undergo regular training to reinforce the values of neutrality, ethics, and public service, enabling them to resist political pressures.
  • Fact: Continuous capacity-building initiatives are essential to ensure that civil servants understand their role in upholding the law and working for the public good.

4. Conclusion

• Summarize the impact of politicization on the civil services as part of India’s governance framework.
• Emphasize the importance of implementing the measures mentioned to restore the neutrality and integrity of the bureaucracy, ensuring effective governance for the nation.

Key Facts and Sources for Answer

1. Steel Frame Metaphor: Sardar Patel’s vision of a “steel frame” for governance is a cornerstone of India’s administrative system.
2. 2G Spectrum Case: Bureaucratic decisions influenced by political goals led to the 2G spectrum scam, undermining the integrity of civil servants.
3. Global Corruption Barometer-Asia (2020): 39% bribery rate and 46% reliance on personal connections for bureaucratic deals in India.
4. Ashok Khemka: Transferred 56 times in 30 years, highlighting the destabilizing effect of political interference on civil servant morale.
5. Prakash Singh Judgment (2006): Recommends independent bodies for police appointments to reduce political interference.
6. Hota Committee (2004): Recommended a two-year cooling-off period before former civil servants take up political appointments like Governor.
7. Second ARC (2005-2009): Stipulated the need for legal definitions of public service values and punishments for violations.