UPSC Mains 2017 GS2 Q18 — Civil Services Reforms
Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services? Comment. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Comment
- Scope keywords
- Civil Services in Indianeutrality and effectivenesslacking in the present contextdrastic reforms
- Implicit sub-parts
- Analysis of the foundational intent of neutrality and effectiveness (the 'Weberian' model in Indian context).
- Evidence of the current erosion of neutrality (politico-bureaucratic nexus) and effectiveness (red-tapism, status quoism).
- Critique of 'drastic reforms': What specifically makes them 'drastic' (e.g., lateral entry, tenure security, Mission Karmayogi) vs. incremental?
- A balanced conclusion on whether the issue lies in the structural design or the operational environment.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic history of civil services from the British era without linking it to 'neutrality'.
- Turning the answer into a rant against politicians without providing structural reasons for bureaucratic failure.
- Failing to mention specific modern reforms like 360-degree appraisal or the lateral entry debate.
- Ignoring the 'effectiveness' aspect and only focusing on 'neutrality'.
- Dimensions required
- Historical (colonial legacy vs. welfare state)Constitutional (Article 311 protections)Structural (Generalists vs. Specialists)Administrative (Second ARC recommendations)Political (Committed bureaucracy vs. Neutrality)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 50 words to the evolution and meaning of neutrality/effectiveness. Use 100 words to evaluate current gaps with examples of politicization and inefficiency. Devote the final 100 words to arguing for/against 'drastic' reforms, citing specific committees like Hota or Baswan, ensuring a balanced 'Comment' that acknowledges recent shifts.
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