Question 15GS2GS2
Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India.
Main Body
Bureaucracy forms the steel frame of Indian administrative structure involved in both policy formulation & policy implementation.
Good idea to reduce ound size:
1Reduces duplication of effort due to multiple forms.
2Easier holding of accountability eg Public representatives & senior officers can map the person responsible.
3Same resource expenditure => salaries, housing, transport etc
4Increases responsibility of director on each bureaucrat fostering innovation & risk taking
Reduction in size - not a good idea:
1Increases already overburdened bureaucrats neglect of less prioritized area eg emerging responsiveness
2Focus on short term reforms neglecting long term perspective due to staff shortage.
3Critical services most affected eg police mainly handled by constabulary
4High amount of discretion can foster sent seeking corruption
Way Forward:
1Optimum sizing in different areas based on data based role allocation
2Maintain (rather necessary) staff in critical areas & current shortage in police personnel
3Partial staggered entry to buy specialists opinion
4Periodic training & one to one interactive performance appraisal to increase competency
Indian civil services must uphold best efficiency & effectiveness for good governance
187 words3 paragraphs
Conclusion
Indian civil services must uphold best efficiency & effectiveness for good governance
12 words
Examiner score
1.2/10Open original scan
Page 33
Topper
Aayushi Bansal
AIR 72022
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
Role of Civil Services in a Democracy
Civil Services Reforms
Bureaucratic Size Reduction
Writing Stats
199
Total words
3
Paragraphs