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. 25/10/2024 5:17 PM
A respected police officer in India has recently advocated for a new scheme called "Nitipath," similar to the Agnipath scheme and the Short Service Commission for military officers. This initiative aims to reform the administrative services in India, addressing key issues in governance and public service delivery.
The Nitipath scheme proposes a significant restructuring of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS):
Service Filtering: Officers would be filtered out after 10, 25, and 30 years of service, ensuring a merit-based promotion system that fosters a culture of performance and public service.
Increased Recruitment: The government could recruit four times more candidates at entry-level positions, potentially increasing annual appointments from 600-1,000 to 4,000 officers.
Performance Reviews: Only 25% of candidates would be retained after a rigorous performance review in the fourth year. This allows the government to choose the best talents based on practical performance rather than solely on exam scores.
The proposed changes would introduce numerous advantages:
Youthful Workforce: Bringing in younger officers would inject energy and fresh perspectives into the bureaucracy, encouraging public service and responsiveness.
Economic Prospects: Officers who choose to leave after four years will likely have good economic prospects, fostering a culture where public service is seen as a stepping stone to broader career opportunities.
Structured Reforms: Implementing performance reviews every five years creates a pathway for semi-structural reforms, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public administration.
Conversion of ICS into IAS: The transition from the Indian Civil Service (ICS) to IAS has not effectively integrated Indian philosophies into governance. A renewed focus on indigenous governance models is essential.
Security Issues: The current level of job security for civil servants creates a disconnect from public accountability and responsiveness. This must be re-evaluated to encourage transparency and accountability.
Specialization: Currently, IAS officers are often moved across various unrelated sectors. Establishing specialized groups based on key areas such as finance, education, and social justice would lead to better decision-making and governance.
Mechanisms for Motivation: Introducing periodic assessments to rekindle motivation and purpose among civil servants is necessary to prevent the establishment from becoming stagnant and disconnected.
Several initiatives are already underway to improve civil service effectiveness:
Mission Karmayogi: A comprehensive reform program aimed at enhancing the capacity of civil services for better public service delivery.
Lateral Entry Reform: This allows skilled individuals from the private sector to join the administrative cadre, bringing fresh ideas and expertise.
e-Samiksha: An online monitoring system that tracks government decisions and implementation of important programs in real time.
Citizen Charters: Mandated for all ministries, these charters ensure transparency and regular updates on government services.
CPGRAMS: An online grievance redressal system that enables citizens to lodge complaints and track their status efficiently.
To improve administrative capabilities in India, the following steps are crucial:
Focus on External Accountability: Civil servants must be accountable not only to political executives but also to the citizens. Mechanisms such as social audits and citizen charters can enhance this accountability.
Bridging the Governance Gap: Addressing the gap between government capacity and socio-economic development is essential. A well-trained and adequately sized civil service is necessary for India's growth story, especially as it aims for significant milestones by 2047.
The Nitipath initiative represents a promising direction for reforming India's administrative framework, aiming to create a more responsive, accountable, and capable civil service. By embracing this vision, India can strengthen its governance and enhance public service delivery for all citizens.
