The Malaise in Indian Administrative Services: Why Civil Servants Become Puppets of Political Masters

India's Administrative Services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), are facing a significant challenge: they are increasingly becoming puppets of political masters instead of fulfilling their duties to maintain the integrity and security of the nation. This article explores the root causes of this malaise and its implications for the Indian democracy.

The Complexities of Pay and Posting

The performance and postings of IAS and IPS officials are not based on their status, comfort, or wealth but on the post and posting assigned to them. This assignment is heavily influenced by political masters. As a result, civil servants often find themselves beholden to political bosses, who can control their postings and security. This dependency highlights a systemic issue in the governance structure.

A notable incident involves a senior officer from India Security Press (Nashik), who demanded Rs 2 crores from Mr. A.K. Telgi for his cooperation. The reality of such demands exposes the leverage political masters have over civil servants. Additionally, cases such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Kolkata further underscore the vulnerability of civil servants in the face of political influence.

The Path of Material Gains: Pleasing Political Bosses

For civil servants, gaining material benefits often means pleasing their political bosses rather than fulfilling their duties. Here are a few scenarios:

Good Postings: Officers who cater to the wishes of political masters often receive desirable postings, such as Special Police Officer (SP) or district magistrate (DM). Illegal Financial Opportunities: Those who align themselves with the ruling party can take advantage of opportunities to make illegal money. Protection from Legal Scrutiny: Collaboration with political masters provides protection from vigilance and corruption cases.

In contrast, becoming honest and upholding the law to the benefit of the nation often results in negligible material gains. The pay and perks are time-bound or based on seniority, and serving the public can be a non-monetary form of job satisfaction. However, this satisfaction is often not enough to outweigh the material benefits of collusion.

The Saying: ‘Mauka Ho to Gadhe Ko Bhi Bap Banana Padta Hai’

The Indian saying “Mauka ho to gadhe ko bhi bap banana padta hai” translates to “When the opportunity arises, even a donkey can be called a father.” While politicians are not exactly like donkeys, they are certainly less beneficial when compared to those in power. Political masters are chosen by the people of a democratic nation, which can make them appear more favorable compared to non-political roles.

The Challenges of Indian Democracy

This issue is at the core of the flaw in Indian democracy. A true democracy is one where the legislature, executive, and judiciary are independent. In the United States, for example, the President is independent in decision-making, not reliant on Congress for his mandate. In India, the executive branch is highly dependent on the legislative branch, making it prone to manipulation.

The executive is formed based on the majority in the legislature, and thus, the legislature controls the executive. This influence extends to the judiciary, as the legislature has the power to amend the Constitution. Therefore, the judiciary cannot achieve true independence. If the ruling party loses majority, the government must bow to the wishes of the MPs.

Conclusion

The root cause of the malaise in the Indian Administrative Services lies in the system of governance, where political influence obscures the true functions of civil servants. To address this, there is a need for a more robust separation of powers and a reduction in the influence of political masters over postings and postings. Reforming the system to ensure the independence of the judiciary and a truly independent executive would be a significant step forward in promoting ethical governance in India.