It’s time officers renewed their commitment to the nation, not the government of the day

GS-IV: It’s time officers renewed their commitment to the nation, not the government of the day

News

We often hear questions on the integrity of civil services, organisations such as the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI and the intentions of taxmen when they do some tasks as part of their job.

Background

There is a belief that the country’s “rusted steel frame” poses a challenge. But not many concrete measures to offer that can strengthen and refurbish it.

Civil services training

The training academies in Mussoorie, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Baroda, Shimla, etc. are state-of-the-art and well-equipped to enhance the skills of trainees.
These institutes impart training in subjects specific to the job profile of each service.
But what about the spirit of the civil services? What about “the impartiality and incorruptibility of administration”, that Sardar Patel expected?
The backbone to withstand the pressures of expediency, politicians, media, and mobs is withering.

Role models who fought alone

A commissioner of police who, when asked not to oppose the bail of a film star who was the son of a Mumbai politician, refused to comply, politely but firmly.
A young IAS officer refused to write the interview marks of candidates in pencil — so the politicians on the board could “manipulate” them later.
A tax officer refused to open a closed file to “teach a lesson to an unfriendly” business house.

Challenges

These actions are known only to a few.

There are awards for innovation and achieving targets, but none for awarding an officer for standing by the principles she is supposed to be true to.

Case studies have been developed for performance, but none exist for those who abide by their commitment to a just and equitable society and dare to differ with “orders from the top”.

Civil Services for the common man

The common man still sees a lot of hope in the civil services.
His dream is to have his child join them for the prestige and power that the services seem to carry.
To him, the services represent a very important tool to establish an equitable society through which he hopes to better his life and the future of his children.
He does not think of “using” the services for his selfish ends but for the common good.

What civil servants have to do

Spread the culture of performance and accountability and punish the corrupt.
Resist undue pressures from different players, and concentrate on the delivery of services to the poor.

Justice Khanna – a case study

Justice H R Khanna remains the most remembered for his principled stand against Emergency.
Very few have heard of the other four judges.

Conclusion

We need the likes of Justice Khanna to motivate the civil services to take a principled stand.

Source: Indian Express

Join Our Telegram

Indus Valley settlers had a distinct genetic lineage.

Prepare plan for protection of Great Indian bustard

Anti-Defection Law in India

18 Mar, 26
SHARE

The Supreme Court of India recently gave a final three-week deadline to the Telangana Assembly Speaker to decide pending disqualification petitions against defecting MLAs under the Anti-Defection Law. What is the Anti-Defection Law? The Anti-Defection Law was introduced through the 52nd Amendment (1985), which added the Tenth Schedule to the

Rat-Hole Mining

18 Mar, 26
SHARE

A major disaster unfolded in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, when at least 18 workers died following an explosion in an illegally operating rat-hole coal mine. This incident highlights the continued prevalence of rat-hole mining despite bans imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court of India. Rat-hole mining is driven

India’s Aviation Sector

17 Mar, 26
SHARE

India’s aviation sector has grown rapidly, becoming a major economic success story. However, regulatory oversight has not evolved at the same pace. Data-driven monitoring of fares and market behavior is essential to ensure fair competition, prevent market abuse, and shift from reactive crisis management to proactive regulation. Challen

Federalism in India

14 Mar, 26
SHARE

Recently, a high-level committee on Union–State relations submitted its first report to the Government of Tamil Nadu. The report examines the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the Union and the States, highlighting ongoing debates regarding the balance between central authority and state autonomy. This discussion is clos

India–UAE Economic Partnership

14 Mar, 26
SHARE

The relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates has evolved from a traditional energy-based partnership into a comprehensive economic and strategic relationship. Over the years, strong political trust, growing trade, and expanding investments have transformed bilateral ties into a diversified economic corridor. The economic partnership