For this article:

12 Feb 2024·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesEDITORIAL

Reforming Civil Service: Beyond File Disposal, Emphasizing Public Service

Re-evaluating civil service performance metrics to prioritize public service over mere file disposal efficiency.

Reforming Civil Service: Beyond File Disposal, Emphasizing Public Service

Photo by Pyx Photography

Editorial Analysis

The current evaluation system for civil servants is flawed, as it overemphasizes file disposal at the expense of other crucial aspects of public service. A more holistic and comprehensive scorecard is needed to accurately assess civil servants' contributions to the public good.

Main Arguments:

  1. Current evaluation system focuses excessively on the number of files disposed of.
  2. This narrow focus neglects other important aspects of public service, such as policy implementation and citizen satisfaction.
  3. A comprehensive scorecard should include factors like ethical conduct, responsiveness to citizen needs, and innovation.
  4. The primary role of the civil service is to serve the public good, which extends beyond simply clearing files.

Conclusion

The evaluation system for civil servants needs to be reformed to move beyond a focus on file disposal and embrace a more comprehensive assessment of their contributions to public service.

Policy Implications

The article implies a need for policy changes in how civil servants are evaluated, suggesting the adoption of a more comprehensive scorecard that includes a wider range of performance indicators.

The article critiques the current evaluation system for civil servants, arguing that it overly focuses on the number of files disposed of, neglecting the broader aspects of public service. It suggests that a more comprehensive scorecard is needed, one that includes factors such as policy implementation, citizen satisfaction, and ethical conduct.

The author emphasizes that the civil service's primary role is to serve the public good, which goes beyond simply clearing files. The piece calls for reforms in the evaluation process to better reflect the diverse responsibilities and contributions of civil servants.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International relations

2.

Ethical considerations in public service, reforms in governance

3.

Statement-based MCQs on civil service reforms and constitutional provisions

More Information

Background

The concept of a civil service in India has evolved significantly over time. Its roots can be traced back to the British East India Company, where officials were primarily focused on revenue collection and maintaining law and order. The Indian Civil Service (ICS), as it was then known, gradually transformed into a more structured and merit-based system. Following India's independence, the civil service was retained and adapted to serve the needs of a newly independent nation. The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, provides the framework for the civil services, ensuring their independence and impartiality. Article 311 provides safeguards to civil servants against arbitrary dismissal. The emphasis shifted from colonial administration to nation-building and socio-economic development. Several committees and commissions have been set up over the years to review and recommend reforms in the civil services. These include the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), which has submitted multiple reports with recommendations on improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The reforms aim to make the civil service more responsive to the needs of citizens and to promote good governance. The All India Services Act, 1951 provides the legal framework for the regulation of recruitment, and conditions of service of persons appointed to the All India Services.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on citizen-centric governance and the use of technology in public service delivery. Initiatives like Mission Karmayogi aim to enhance the skills and competencies of civil servants through modern training methods. The focus is on developing a professional, well-trained, and future-ready civil service. The government is also promoting the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence to improve decision-making and service delivery. This includes initiatives like the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), which aims to provide government services online. The goal is to make government services more accessible, efficient, and transparent. However, challenges remain in ensuring accountability and addressing corruption in the civil services. There are ongoing debates about the need for greater transparency and stronger mechanisms for holding civil servants accountable for their actions. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) plays a key role in preventing corruption and promoting integrity in public administration. There is also a push for performance-based evaluations that go beyond simply measuring the number of files cleared.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the evaluation of civil servants in India: 1. The current evaluation system primarily focuses on the number of files disposed of by the civil servant. 2. A comprehensive scorecard for evaluation should include policy implementation and citizen satisfaction. 3. Ethical conduct is not a relevant factor in the evaluation of civil servants. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The article explicitly critiques the current evaluation system for civil servants, stating that it overly focuses on the number of files disposed of. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The article suggests that a more comprehensive scorecard is needed, including factors such as policy implementation and citizen satisfaction. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The article emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in public service and implies that it should be a factor in evaluation. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Source Articles

Civil Services were not built only for file disposal. Government’s ‘scorecards’ forget that | The Indian Express

The Indian Express·12 Feb 2024

A report card for civil servants is a good idea | The Indian Express

The Indian Express·12 Feb 2024

Knowledge Nugget | 'Administrative scorecards' to Secretaries: What are the must-know initiatives for civil services efficiency

The Indian Express·12 Feb 2024

Exclusive: From file disposal to output, Union Secretaries now get a report card each

The Indian Express·12 Feb 2024

UPSC postpones Civil Services 2026 notice due to ‘administrative reasons’ | Education News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·12 Feb 2024

GKSolverToday's News