UPSC Mains 2019 GS4 Q10 — Politicization of Bureaucracy
In a modern democratic policy, 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)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- politicization of bureaucracyroutine administrative matterstransfers, postingsmaterialism and acquisitivenessethical valuespermanent executive and the political executive
- Implicit sub-parts
- Impact of politicization on the 'Neutrality' and 'Anonymity' of the Civil Services.
- The role of the 'committed bureaucracy' in eroding constitutional governance and the rule of law.
- Consequences for public service delivery and social justice due to political interference in routine administration.
- The ethical decay caused by the nexus of materialism and political-bureaucratic collusion.
- Systemic long-term consequences on institutional integrity and meritocracy.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a historical essay on the evolution of civil services instead of focusing on the 'consequences' as asked.
- Providing a generic list of corruption issues without linking them back to the specific trend of 'politicization'.
- Failing to address the 'materialism and acquisitiveness' aspect mentioned in the prompt as a driver of ethical decline.
- Being overly critical of the political executive while ignoring the agency or complicity of the permanent executive.
- Omitting the impact on the morale and psychological health of 'upright bureaucrats' mentioned in the text.
- Dimensions required
- ConstitutionalEthicalAdministrativeSocio-EconomicStructural/Institutional
- Marks allocation hint
Dedicate approximately 50 words to defining the shift from 'co-operation' to 'politicization'. Allocate the bulk (150 words) to a multi-dimensional analysis of consequences, specifically categorizing them into ethical, administrative, and societal impacts. Conclude with 50 words on institutional safeguards like Civil Services Boards or the Nolan Principles to ensure a constructive finish.
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