Role of Civil Service in Democracy: Check Functions and Responsibilities

Role of Civil Service in Democracy: Democracy today depends on the foundation of civil services, which act as the structure that ensures the successful implementation and continuance of government initiatives and policies. They work in the background, providing elected officials the support they need to do their jobs well. The civil services are important to the protection of stability, the enforcement of the law, and the delivery of public services in a democracy. It is impossible to overestimate their importance since they serve as a link between the government's legislative objectives and the reality of day-to-day administration.

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Role of Civil Service in Democracy

Civil services are often arranged hierarchically, with a clear line of command allowing both efficient decision-making and accountability. This hierarchy typically begins with junior-level personnel and progresses to the highest levels of management, including secretaries and directors. Modern-day democracy has three pillars:

• Legislature
• Executive
• Judiciary

Civil services are divided into divisions and specialisations, such as administrative, police, foreign, and revenue services. Every division has particular functions and responsibilities that contribute to the overall governance system.

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Central and state services are the two divisions of civil services in federal democracies. State services are managed by state governments, whereas central services are overseen by the union government. Both have parallel functions that guarantee smooth administration at all levels.

Functions and Responsibilities

Civil service officers aid in determining the existence of essential policy areas, and their participation in policy making and execution is essential for the development of the country. The primary responsibilities of the civil service are given below.

Policy Implementation

One of the primary duties of the civil service is to execute the policies of the government. This involves transforming legislative decisions into practical strategies and ensuring that these plans are carried out efficiently across multiple sectors.

Public Administration

Civil servants oversee every aspect of government, particularly the administration of public institutions, budget management, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

Regulatory Functions

Civil services additionally carry out regulatory tasks, such as checking compliance with laws and regulations and taking remedial action as needed. This includes issues like environmental protection, labour laws, and trade rules.

Welfare Services

Civil officials have a crucial role in providing welfare services such as healthcare, education, social security, and housing. They guarantee that government projects reach those who need them and improve the quality of life for the general public.

Key Characteristics of Civil Servants

For the development of the country civil service officers are aid in maintaining neutrality and accountability. The key characteristics are discussed below.

Neutrality and Impartiality

Civil officials are required to remain politically neutral and unbiased, serving the government of the day without bias. This guarantees that every citizen is treated fairly and equally.

Professionalism

Professionalism is a key component of good public service. This involves following ethical norms, being effective in their professions, and committing to public service.

Accountability

Civil administrators are responsible to the people and its elected representatives. This accountability is maintained through a variety of procedures, including assessments of performance, audits, and feedback from the public.

Integrity

Integrity is essential for maintaining the confidence of the public. Civil officials are required to perform truthfully and maintain the highest standards of conduct in their professional activities.

Role in Policy Making

The civil servants plays a major role in making the policies, which include assisting and advising ministers in drafting legislation

Assisting in Policy Formulation

Civil servants play an important role in policy development by providing technical expertise and data-driven insights that help create successful policies. They work alongside ministers and lawmakers to create suggestions that meet public requirements.

Advising Ministers

Civil servants help governments on many policy issues, providing objective analysis and suggestions. Their experience ensures that decisions are well-informed while taking into consideration the implications over time.

What are the constitutional provisions related to the Indian Civil Service?

As per articles 53 and 154, the executive power of the Union and the states resides with the President or Governor either directly or through his subordinates. These subordinate officers comprise the permanent civil service and are regulated by Part XIV of the constitution (Articles 308-323 – Services under the Union and States).

Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules: The method by which these officers can help the President or Governor to exercise his/her executive work is managed by the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules.

Article 310 – Period of possession of the office of persons serving the Union or a state.

Article 311 – Dismissal or lowering the rank of officers employed in civil services under the Union or a State.

Article 312 – It enlisted the formation of a new all-India service.

Article 315-322 – These deal with Public Service Commissions.

Article 323A – This deals with administrative tribunals.

Civil Services in India: Then Vs Now

The civil service system of India is over thousands of years old, with significant changes occurring throughout the ancient, Mughal, and British periods. These events had a significant impact on the administrative structure of the Indian Subcontinent.

Ancient Period

The earliest known system can be traced back to the Mauryan empires, where the Arthshastra of Kautilya (Chanakya) gave the principles of governance and administration. The well established administrative system is also found at the Gupta Empire, that included a hierarchical structure with various officials responsible for revenue collection, law and order, and public works

Mediaeval Period

The Mughals also had a centralised administrative system known as the Mansabdari system. The mansabdars were graded according to their ranks, which helps in efficient governance and revenue collection.  

British Period

The British Parliament enacted the Charter Act of 1833, laying the framework for the establishment of the ICS. It established competitive examinations in England for civil service recruitment, bringing in the official Indian Civil Service. After 1857, the administration of the East India Company was handed to the British Crown, and the Indian Civil Service (ICS) became India's premier administrative service, with the British holding top positions. However, Indians were eventually permitted to join the service. 

Post-Independence Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) replaced the ICS, and civil services were reformed to meet the needs of the newly established nation. The IAS and other services continue to form the foundation of India's administrative system.

Civil services are essential to the running of democracies, providing the foundation for efficient governance. They guarantee policy execution, oversee public administration, and contribute to social welfare. Despite challenges, civil services continue to play an important role in democracy. They have an important role in ensuring stability, enforcing the rule of law, and providing public services.

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