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16 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
Polity & GovernanceScience & TechnologyEDITORIAL

Bridging Governance Gaps: The Case for an Indian Scientific Service

India needs a dedicated scientific cadre to integrate expertise into policymaking.

Editorial Analysis

The author argues for the creation of an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) to integrate scientific expertise into governance. The current administrative system, designed for generalist administrators, inadequately addresses the needs of scientific work, limiting the effective use of scientific input in policymaking.

Main Arguments:

  1. India's post-Independence service rules, designed for generalist administrators, are inadequate for the increasing role of science, technology, and environmental challenges in governance.
  2. A mismatch exists between the rigorous, specialized training of scientists and the generalist administrative system, hindering effective integration of scientific expertise into policymaking.
  3. Scientific inputs in policymaking are often commissioned for immediate needs, limiting continuous, long-term research that anticipates emerging challenges.
  4. Administrative rules that stress discipline and neutrality conflict with the scientific work that requires questioning assumptions and presenting evidence, even when it challenges policy.
  5. Many countries have created distinct scientific cadres within government with tailored service rules, career paths, and professional protections, strengthening governance through transparent, independent scientific input into policymaking.
  6. Government scientists often have limited institutional authority relative to their expertise, resulting in cautious communication, limited documentation of uncertainty, and an over-reliance on science during crises rather than as a continuous input into policy formulation.
  7. The creation of an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) would function as a permanent, all-India scientific cadre working alongside existing civil services, protecting professional integrity and enabling transparent recording of scientific assessments.

Conclusion

The need for an ISS is no longer theoretical but a practical and timely reform to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and build more resilient governance for the future.

Policy Implications

The author advocates for the creation of an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) with specialized cadres such as the Indian Environmental and Ecological Service, Indian Climate and Atmospheric Service, and others. Separate scientific service rules would protect professional integrity, enable transparent recording of scientific assessments, and clarify the distinction between scientific advice and policy decisions.

The editorial argues for the creation of an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) to better integrate scientific expertise into governance. It highlights the mismatch between generalist administrative rules and the needs of scientific work, limiting the effective use of scientific input in policymaking. The ISS would function as a permanent scientific cadre, recruited through rigorous national selection, working alongside existing civil services.

Separate service rules would protect professional integrity and enable transparent recording of scientific assessments. The author suggests specialized cadres within the ISS, such as environmental, climate, public health, and technology policy services. The reform aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and build more resilient governance.

Key Facts

1.

India's post-Independence service rules were designed for generalist administrators.

2.

Governance is increasingly shaped by science, technology, and environmental challenges.

3.

India lacks a specialized framework for scientific governance.

4.

Administrative rules are not neutral; they shape behavior and culture.

5.

Effective governance requires mechanisms that allow scientific assessments to be placed on record.

6.

Many countries have created distinct scientific cadres within government.

7.

The creation of an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) offers a constructive way forward.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Governance, Polity - Role of civil services in a democracy

2.

GS Paper 3: Science and Technology - Application of science and technology in governance

3.

Potential question types: Analytical, evaluative, and statement-based questions

In Simple Words

Right now, scientists in government are managed by the same rules as regular office workers. This makes it hard for them to give honest scientific advice, especially if it goes against what politicians want. Creating a special group for scientists would let them focus on facts and evidence, leading to better policies.

India Angle

Think about environmental regulations or public health decisions. If the scientists advising the government are worried about their careers if they disagree with the boss, the policies might not be based on the best science. This affects everyone, from farmers dealing with climate change to city dwellers breathing polluted air.

For Instance

Imagine a doctor afraid to diagnose a disease because the hospital administration doesn't want bad news. A dedicated scientific service would protect scientists so they can give the best advice, like a doctor giving an honest diagnosis.

Better science in government means better policies for everyone. It leads to a healthier environment, safer products, and a stronger economy.

Science should inform policy, not the other way around.

Visual Insights

Indian Scientific Service (ISS): Key Aspects

Mind map illustrating the key aspects of the proposed Indian Scientific Service (ISS), its objectives, and potential benefits for governance.

Indian Scientific Service (ISS)

  • ●Objectives
  • ●Structure
  • ●Benefits
  • ●Specialized Cadres
More Information

Background

The Indian administrative system is largely based on a generalist model inherited from the British colonial era. This model emphasizes broad administrative skills over specialized knowledge. While generalist administrators are crucial for coordination and policy implementation, the increasing complexity of modern governance requires specialized expertise, particularly in scientific and technological fields. The absence of a dedicated scientific cadre within the civil services has often led to a disconnect between scientific advice and policy formulation. Historically, various committees and commissions have recommended reforms to integrate scientific expertise into governance. These recommendations have often highlighted the need for a more structured and formalized mechanism for scientists to contribute to policymaking. The creation of specialized services within the civil services framework has been a recurring theme in these discussions. The existing civil services, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), are primarily designed for general administration and law enforcement, respectively, and do not adequately address the specific needs of scientific administration. The Constitution of India empowers the government to create new services under Article 312, which allows for the establishment of All India Services if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution supported by a two-thirds majority. This provision provides the constitutional basis for creating an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) and integrating it into the existing civil service structure. The need for such a service has become increasingly apparent in areas such as environmental protection, public health, and technology policy, where scientific expertise is essential for effective governance.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on evidence-based policymaking across various sectors. The government has launched initiatives such as the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) to promote research and development in emerging technologies. These initiatives highlight the growing recognition of the importance of scientific expertise in addressing complex societal challenges. Several committees and expert groups have been constituted to review the structure and functioning of the civil services. The recommendations of these committees often include suggestions for enhancing specialization and domain expertise within the bureaucracy. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), for instance, emphasized the need for greater specialization and recommended the creation of specialized cadres within the civil services to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Looking ahead, there is a growing consensus on the need for reforms to make the civil services more responsive to the evolving needs of the country. The creation of an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) is seen as a potential step towards achieving this goal. It is expected that such a service would not only enhance the quality of policymaking but also attract and retain talented scientists and researchers within the government sector.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the proposed Indian Scientific Service (ISS): 1. The ISS aims to integrate scientific expertise into governance by creating a permanent scientific cadre. 2. The ISS would function independently of existing civil services like the IAS and IPS. 3. Separate service rules are proposed to protect the professional integrity of ISS officers and ensure transparent recording of scientific assessments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The editorial explicitly states that the ISS aims to integrate scientific expertise into governance by creating a permanent scientific cadre. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The ISS is intended to work alongside existing civil services, not independently. The goal is to enhance the existing system with specialized scientific input. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The editorial mentions that separate service rules are proposed to protect professional integrity and enable transparent recording of scientific assessments.

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