3. What are your views on the practice of transferring civil servants after a new political party comes to power? What message does it convey? What are its implications? Discuss. (15 Marks)
Candidates need to explain his views on the practice of transferring civil servants after a new political party comes to power. Also discuss what message does it convey and what are its implications.
Introduction:
Over the years, slowly but surely, the role of the bureaucracy has unfortunately been seriously compromised. The issue of frequent transfers when the new political party comes to power is found across India. The analysis of the SUPREMO (Single User Platform Related to Employees Online) database of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, shows that the average posting spell of civil servants in India is only about 15 months.
The Practice of Transferring Civil Servants After a New Political Party Comes to Power and the message it conveys
The recently proposed amendments in the IAS Cadre Rules have sparked a massive political row, turning into a Centre vs opposition debate.
The amendments in the IAS Cadre rule will lead to the Central government having greater control in the central deputation of all three All India Services (AIS).
The Centre will have to power to depute civil servants to Central ministries without taking any approval from the state governments.
While implementing the programmes set by the Cabinet and the ministers, bureaucrats were expected to act without fear or favour and ensure that the benefits of the programmes flowed to the people regardless of their political affiliations.
While the elected politicians were free to overrule the advice rendered by civil servants, the advisory functions of the bureaucracy were expected to be performed without regard to their impact on the private interests of politicians and the party in power.
But the Practice of Transferring Civil Servants After a New Political Party Comes to Power induce fear & hesitancy among AIS Officers in implementing policies of State government of parties politically opposed to ruling party at Centre.
What are its implications.
Arbitrary and questionable methods of appointments, promotions and transfers of officers by political superiors also led to corrosion of the moral basis of its independence.
It strengthened the temptation in services to collusive practices with politicians to avoid the inconvenience of transfers and for officers to gain advantages by ingratiating themselves to political masters.
It invokes the civil servants to do the politicians’ biddings rather than adhering to rules.
An oft-repeated argument used for transfers is that they are “in the interest of administration.” However, they essentially weaken administration.
Transfers often reflect administrative favouritism and create divisions among civil servants. If they are done on a political basis, this impacts the neutrality of the civil services.
The participation of local people in governance and development is through civil servants. It is this participation that has been the worst affected due to the frequent transfers.
Conclusion
Lest the situation becomes more vicious, it is necessary that a better arrangement be conceived under the Constitution.”
