THE CONTEXT: The underrepresentation of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in senior civil service positions highlights persistent systemic barriers within India’s bureaucracy. Addressing these disparities requires comprehensive reforms and lessons from international models of equal opportunity.
THE CAUSE OF CONCERN:
- Underrepresentation in Senior Civil Service Positions: There is a significant underrepresentation of SC/ST officers in senior civil service roles, such as Secretary and Joint Secretary levels, where they constitute only 4% and 4.9%, respectively. This lack of representation is attributed to the dominance of upper castes at these levels.
- Lack of Reservation in Promotions: There is no reservation for promotions in Class A services, which limits the advancement opportunities for SC/ST officers, even if they are recruited at entry-level positions.
- Age and Entry Barriers: The current age and attempt limits for civil service exams create barriers for SC/ST candidates. Although they have a higher age limit and unlimited attempts, they often join later and retire before reaching top positions due to the age factor.
- Fixed Tenure Proposal: A fixed tenure system for civil servants, regardless of their age of entry, to ensure that all officers have an equal opportunity to reach senior positions. This proposal aims to address the age-related disadvantage faced by SC/ST officers.
- Need for a Committee: To explore the fixed tenure proposal and other related issues, there is a need the formation of an independent and multi-disciplinary committee with adequate representation from SC/ST, OBC, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
- Political Distraction from Core Issues: The political back-and-forth is nothing but a distraction from the real issue of underrepresentation in the civil services, emphasizing the need for substantive policy changes rather than political gestures.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Implement Fixed Tenure for Civil Servants: Adopting a fixed tenure system for civil servants, irrespective of their age of entry, can ensure equitable opportunities for career advancement. This approach aligns with recommendations for systemic reforms in civil services to promote inclusivity and efficiency. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) mandates annual reporting on the representation of SC/ST/OBC officers in government services to monitor compliance with reservation policies and identify gaps.
- Enhance Reservation Policies: Introducing reservations in promotions within Class A services could ensure that SC/ST officers have better representation at higher levels. The Hota Committee emphasized the need for a fair and transparent system for promotions and empanelment, which could be supported by a fixed tenure approach. Singapore’s civil service model, which emphasizes merit-based progression and fixed tenures, has been cited as a successful example of promoting efficiency and inclusivity.
- Strengthen Training and Capacity Building: Providing targeted training programs and capacity-building initiatives for SC/ST officers can enhance their skills and readiness for senior roles. The Yashpal Committee on higher education also emphasizes the importance of training and professional development to improve governance and leadership in public services. The Surinder Nath Committee recommended skill-building and training programs for All India Services officers to enhance their competencies and readiness for senior roles.
- Establish an Independent Review Committee: The Second ARC highlighted the need for an independent mechanism to oversee civil service reforms and ensure fair representation of marginalized groups. Forming an independent and multi-disciplinary committee with adequate representation from SC/ST, OBC, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) can assess current policies and suggest improvements. This committee should focus on evaluating the impact of existing policies and recommend strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion in civil services.
- Promote E-Governance and Transparency: The Second ARC recommended which can help reduce subjectivity and discrimination. It will also streamline recruitment and promotion processes to ensure transparency and reduce biases. The Hota Committee on civil service reforms also highlights the potential of e-governance to simplify administrative processes and improve service delivery, thereby minimizing opportunities for discrimination and favoritism.
THE CONCLUSION:
By implementing robust policies and drawing lessons from global best practices like equal opportunity commission, India can foster a more inclusive civil service that reflects its diverse population. Ensuring equal opportunity in governance is crucial for achieving true social justice and national progress.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. 2021
Q.2 ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. 2021
Q.3 Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. 2022
Q.4 Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by their nature, are discriminatory in approach. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. 2023
Q.5 The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. 2022
Q.6 Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections or the society leads to problems or overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. 2018
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Critically analyze the issues of underrepresentation in senior civil service positions in India. Discuss the potential reforms to address these disparities.
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