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Guardians of the Republic: India's Civil Services Unveiled

An in-depth academic exploration of India's Civil Services, examining their historical evolution, constitutional framework, diverse roles, and ongoing reforms.

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Overview

The Permanent Executive

In India, the Civil Service comprises the dedicated body of civil servants who form the permanent executive branch of the government. These career officials are integral to the nation's governance, operating across the All India Services, Central Civil Services, and various State Civil Services. They serve as the crucial conduit for articulating public needs and meticulously implementing governmental policies at the grassroots level.

Scale and Scope

As of 2010, India's government workforce encompassed approximately 6.4 million employees across all levels (Group A to D) within both central and state administrations. Among these, the Central Secretariat Service and the Indian Revenue Service (spanning Income Tax and Customs & Central Excise) represent some of the largest contingents of personnel, underscoring the vast administrative machinery.

Constitutional Safeguards

Civil servants in India are remunerated from the Civil List, a testament to their official status. A cornerstone of their independence is Article 311 of the Constitution of India, which provides robust protection against politically motivated or vindictive actions. This constitutional provision ensures that civil servants can perform their duties without undue external pressure, although senior officials remain accountable to the Parliament. The system is fundamentally rank-based, diverging from position-based civil services models.

History

British Foundations

The contemporary Civil Services of India draw heavily from the structure of the former Indian Civil Service (ICS) during British India. Warren Hastings initiated the foundation of this service, but it was Charles Cornwallis who is credited with its comprehensive reform, modernization, and rationalization, earning him the title 'the Father of civil service in India'.

  • Covenanted vs. Uncovenanted: Cornwallis established two divisions. The covenanted service was exclusively for Europeans, holding higher governmental posts. The uncovenanted service allowed Indians to enter the lower administrative ranks.
  • Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919): This pivotal act split the Imperial Services, previously headed by the Secretary of State for India, into the All India Services and the Central Services. This was a step towards Indianizing the services, recognizing the growing need for Indian participation in public affairs.
  • Central Superior Services: By 1924, the All India and Central Services (Group A) were formally designated as Central Superior Services. This framework included 10 All India Services and 8 central departments, reflecting a complex administrative hierarchy.
  • Highest Paid Official: During the British Raj, the Chairperson of the Railway Board held the distinction of being the highest-paid civil servant until 1959.

Women in Service (British Era)

Historically, the Imperial Civil Service was exclusively male. No women were formally recruited into the Imperial Civil Service between 1858 and 1947. Women's participation was largely confined to lower echelons.

  • Women were typically appointed as clerks, typists, and low-level clerical assistants within the uncovenanted civil service.
  • Even when recruited to Imperial Secretariat Service (Class II), they were disqualified from higher posts in departments under the Governor-General, such as Imperial Secretariat Service (Class I).
  • The Imperial Police and Imperial Forest Service also had no women members.

Honors and Evolution

During British rule, civil servants received various orders of chivalry and civil medals. Post-independence, the civil service underwent a significant transformation, guided by the vision of Sardar Patel.

  • British Era Honors: Civil servants were recipients of orders like the Order of the Indian Empire, Order of the British Empire, Imperial Service Order, and Order of the Star of India, as well as titles like Rai Bahadur and medals such as the Kaisar-i-Hind Medal.
  • Post-Independence Vision: After the partition in 1947, Sardar Patel envisioned a civil service that would strengthen national cohesion and unity. Integrity, impartiality, and merit became the guiding principles.
  • Contemporary Terminology: In the 21st century, Indian civil servants are colloquially referred to as 'babus,' and the bureaucracy as 'babudom,' terms often used in Indian media.
  • Ministry of Civil Services: The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, located in New Delhi, unofficially serves as the 'Ministry of Civil Services,' responsible for training, reforms, and pensions.
  • National Recognition: Many Indian civil servants have been honored with prestigious civilian awards such as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan for their exceptional contributions to public administration.

Framework

Constitutional Mandate

The foundational legal framework for India's Civil Services is enshrined in the Constitution. Article 312 grants the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of Parliament) the authority to establish new branches of the All India Services through a two-thirds majority vote. This provision has been instrumental in the creation of key services.

Under Article 312, the following prominent services have been established:

  • The Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
  • The Indian Police Service (IPS)
  • The Indian Forest Service (IFS)

Guiding Principles

The efficacy and integrity of the Civil Services are underpinned by a set of core values that guide every civil servant in the discharge of their duties. These principles ensure a high standard of public service and ethical conduct.

Civil servants are expected to uphold:

  • Absolute integrity
  • Allegiance to the Constitution and the law of the nation
  • Patriotism and national pride
  • Devotion to duty
  • Honesty, impartiality, and transparency

Code of Ethics

Beyond general values, the Government of India has established a comprehensive code of ethics designed to promote and facilitate exemplary conduct among its civil servants. This code outlines specific behavioral expectations and responsibilities.

Every civil servant is required to:

  • Discharge official duty with responsibility, honesty, and accountability.
  • Act without discrimination and maintain political, religious, and social neutrality.
  • Ensure effective management, foster leadership development, and promote personal growth.
  • Avoid any misuse of official position or information.
  • Serve as instruments of good governance, actively fostering social and economic development.

Roles

Administrative Backbone

The fundamental responsibility of the Civil Services is to manage the administration of India. They are the operational arm through which central government agencies execute policy directives from various ministries. Civil servants are, in essence, the practical architects of Indian law and policy, translating legislative intent into tangible action.

They operate on behalf of the elected government and are mandated to formulate rules and policies in alignment with the government's views and interests. A critical aspect of their tenure is that they cannot be removed by any state or central government, only retired, providing a degree of stability and insulation from political whims.

Diverse Functions

The scope of civil servants' duties is remarkably broad, encompassing a multitude of critical functions across various sectors of governance. Their expertise and dedication are deployed in numerous capacities to ensure the smooth functioning of the state.

  • Government Administrators: Serving in both central and state governments, overseeing departments and implementing programs.
  • Foreign Emissaries: Representing India in foreign missions and embassies globally.
  • Revenue Officials: Functioning as tax collectors and revenue commissioners.
  • Law Enforcement: Serving as civil service commissioned police officers.
  • International Representation: Acting as permanent representatives and employees in the United Nations and its various agencies.
  • Public Sector Leadership: Holding positions as chairmen, managing directors, and full-time functional directors and board members of public-sector undertakings, enterprises, corporations, banks, and financial institutions.
  • Ministerial Advisors: Appointed as advisors, special duty officers, or private secretaries to ministers at both Union and State Government levels.

Official Identity

The distinct roles of civil servants are often reflected in their official documentation, such as passports. While ordinary citizens receive deep blue passports, civil servants are typically issued specialized travel documents that signify their official capacity.

For instance, an Indian diplomatic passport is maroon with gold text, indicating its bearer's diplomatic status. An official passport, generally issued to civil servants, also carries a distinct appearance, differentiating them from regular citizens and highlighting their governmental function during international travel.

Recruitment

Entry and Progression

The Civil Services Board plays a pivotal role in managing the entry-level recruitment and subsequent job promotions for positions below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India. This ensures a standardized and merit-based approach to staffing the vast administrative machinery.

Rigorous Examinations

Recruits, typically university graduates or those with higher qualifications, are selected through a series of rigorous, specialization-based examinations. These competitive assessments are designed to identify individuals with the intellectual capacity, aptitude, and specialized knowledge required for various departments.

  • Civil Services Examination (for general Civil Service)
  • National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (for Defence Service)
  • Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICoAS) Examination (for Civil Service)
  • Combined Defence Service Examination (for Defence Service)
  • Combined Geo-Scientist Examination (for Natural Resource)
  • Engineering Services Examination (for Civil Service)
  • Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination (I.E.S./I.S.S. Exam) (for Civil Service)
  • Combined Medical Services Examination (for Medical)
  • Central Armed Police Forces - Assistant Commandants Examination (CAPF - AC Exam) of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for Group A posts (for Civil Service)

Promotions and Higher Appointments

While the Civil Services Board handles lower-level promotions, appointments to the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India and above, along with other major appointments, empanelment, and tenure extensions, are managed by a higher authority.

These critical decisions are made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, ensuring that leadership positions are filled through a centralized and high-level review process, reflecting strategic governmental priorities.

Framework

Central Administrative Tribunal

To ensure fairness and resolve disputes within the administrative system, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) serves as a crucial judicial body. It provides an accessible forum for addressing grievances and legal challenges related to civil service matters.

Citizens can approach CAT to seek permission to prosecute corrupt or inept civil servants, thereby empowering public accountability. Conversely, civil servants themselves can appeal to CAT in cases of unfair dismissal or other administrative injustices, ensuring their rights are protected.

Civil Services Day

The Civil Service Day, observed annually on April 21st, is a significant occasion dedicated to reaffirming the commitment of civil servants to public service. This day provides a unique opportunity for introspection and strategic planning.

It commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's address in 1947 to the probationers of Administrative Services Officers, where he emphasized the critical role of the civil service in national unity. On this day, officers from central and state governments are honored with the 'Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration' for their outstanding contributions, including medals, scrolls, and cash awards.

Types

All India Services

The All India Services represent a unique feature of India's federal system, with officers serving both the Union and State governments. Appointments to these prestigious services are made directly by the President of India, underscoring their national importance and unified character.

  • Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
  • Indian Forest Service (IFS)
  • Indian Police Service (IPS)

Central Services (Group A)

Central Civil Services (Group A) are primarily responsible for the administration of the Union Government. These officers are appointed by the President of India and manage specialized functions across various ministries and departments, forming the backbone of central governance.

  • Archaeological Service, Group 'A'
  • Border Roads Engineering Services
  • Botanical Survey of India, Group 'A'
  • Central Architects Service, Group 'A'
  • Central Engineering Service, Group 'A'
  • Central Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Naval Armament Service, Group 'A'
  • Central Geological Service (CGS), Group 'A'
  • Central Health Service, Group 'A'
  • Central Revenues Chemical Service, Group 'A'
  • Central Secretariat Service (Selection Grade, Grade I)
  • General Central Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Cost Accounts Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Corporate Law Service
  • Indian Defence Accounts Service
  • Indian Defence Service of Engineers (IDSE), Group 'A'
  • Indian Foreign Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Meteorological Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Information Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Postal Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Naval Material Management Service
  • Indian Posts and Telegraphs Traffic Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Revenue Service (Customs Branch, Central Excise Branch, Income Tax Branch)
  • Indian Trade Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Salt Service, Group 'A'
  • Mercantile Marine Training Ship Service, Group 'A'
  • Directorate General of Mines Safety, Group 'A'
  • Overseas Communications Service, Group 'A'
  • Survey of India Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Telecommunication Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Radio Regulatory Service, Group 'A'
  • Zoological Survey of India, Group 'A'
  • Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)
  • Indian Ordnance Factories Health Service (IOFHS)
  • Indian Frontier Administrative Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Railways Management Service
  • Indian Railway Health Services
  • Railway Protection Force (Grade I, Grade II)
  • Central Legal Service (Grades I, II, III and IV)
  • Railway Inspectorate Service, Group 'A'
  • Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Island Civil Services, Grade I
  • Indian Inspection Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Supply Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Statistical Service
  • Indian Economic Service
  • Indian Enterprise Development Service
  • Telegraph Traffic Service, Group 'A'
  • Central Water Engineering Service, Group 'A'
  • Central Power Engineering Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Civil Accounts Service
  • Central Labour Service, Group 'A'
  • Central Engineering Service (Roads), Group 'A'
  • Indian Posts and Telegraphs Accounts and Finance Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Broadcasting (Engineers) Service
  • Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services, Group 'A'
  • Central Secretariat Official Language Service, Group 'A'
  • Indian Skill Development Service

Central Services (Group B)

For Group B central civil service posts, recruitment is conducted through the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGLE) by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Appointments to Group B positions are made by authorities specified by a general or special order of the President.

  • Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services
  • Botanical Survey of India, Group 'B'
  • Central Electrical Engineering Service, Group 'B'
  • Central Engineering Service, Group 'B'
  • Central Excise Service, Group 'B'
  • Central Health Service, Group 'B'
  • Central Power Engineering Service, Group 'B'
  • Central Secretariat Official Language Service, Group 'B'
  • Central Secretariat Service, Group 'B' (Section and Assistant Section Grade officers only)
  • Central Secretariat Stenographers’ Service (Grade I, Grade II and Selection Grade officers only)
  • Customs Appraisers Service, Group 'B' (Principal Appraisers and Head Appraisers)
  • Customs Preventive Service, Group 'B' (Chief Inspectors)
  • Defence Secretariat Service
  • DANIAS, Grade II
  • DANIPS, Grade II
  • Geological Survey of India, Group 'B'
  • Indian Foreign Service, Group 'B' (General Cadre, Grade I and General Cadre, Grade II only)
  • Indian Posts and Telegraphs Accounts and Finance Service, Group 'B' Telecommunication Wing
  • Indian Posts & Telegraphs Accounts & Finance Service, Postal Wing, Group 'B'
  • Income Tax Service, Group 'B'
  • Indian Salt Service, Group 'B'
  • India Meteorological Service, Group 'B'
  • Survey of India, Group 'B'
  • Postal Superintendents’ Service, Group 'B'
  • Postmasters’ Service, Group 'B'
  • Railway Board Secretariat Service, Group 'B'
  • Telecommunication Engineering Service, Group 'B'
  • Telegraphs Traffic Service, Group 'B'
  • Zoological Survey of India, Group 'B'

State Civil Services

State Civil Services examinations and recruitment are conducted by the individual states' public service commissions. These services are crucial feeder services for the All India Services, with officers appointed by the Governors of their respective states.

State Civil Service (Executive Branch) or State Administrative Service (Group A)

These officers, typically Deputy Collectors or equivalent, are recruited through state-specific examinations and are later promoted to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in their respective state cadres.

  • Andhra Pradesh Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Assam Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Bihar Administrative Service
  • Goa Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Maharashtra Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Madhya Pradesh Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Gujarat Administrative Service
  • Haryana Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service
  • Chhattisgarh Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Jharkhand Administrative Service
  • Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service
  • Karnataka Administrative Service
  • Kerala Administrative Service
  • Manipur Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Mizoram Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Meghalaya Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Nagaland Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Tripura Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Odisha Administrative Service
  • Provincial Civil Service (Executive Branch) of Uttar Pradesh
  • Punjab Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Rajasthan Administrative Service
  • Sikkim Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Telangana Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Tamil Nadu Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • Tripura Civil Service (Executive Branch)
  • West Bengal Civil Service (Executive Branch)

Legal and Engineering Services (Group A)

  • All India Judicial Service, All India Legal Service, State Regional Legal Service, Central Legal Service and State Legal Service (Law)
  • All State Engineering Services officers are Group 'A' gazetted officers.

State Forest Service (Natural Resource) (Group A)

Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) rank officers are Group 'A' gazetted officers and are promoted to the Indian Forest Service after 8 years of service.

State Police Service (Civil Service) (Group A)

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)/Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)/Assistant Commandant rank officers are Group 'A' Officers and are later promoted to the Indian Police Service (IPS).

  • Andhra Pradesh State Police Service (APPS)
  • Arunachal Pradesh Police Service (APPS)
  • Assam Police Service (APS)
  • Bihar Police Service (BPS)
  • Goa Police Service (GPS)
  • Maharashtra Police Service (MPS)
  • Madhya Pradesh Police Service (MPPS)
  • Gujarat Police Service (GPS)
  • Haryana Police Service (HPS)
  • Himachal Pradesh Police Service (HPPS)
  • Jharkhand Police Service (JPS)
  • Kashmir Police Service (KPS)
  • Karnataka State Police Service (KSPS)
  • Kerala Police Service (KPS)
  • Manipur Police Service (MPS)
  • Mizoram Police Service (MPS)
  • Meghalaya Police Service (MPS)
  • Nagaland Police Service (NPS)
  • Odisha Police Service (OPS)
  • Provincial Police Service (Uttar Pradesh) (PPS)
  • Punjab Police Service (PPS)
  • Rajasthan Police Service (RPS)
  • Sikkim Police Service (SPS)
  • Telangana Police Service (TSPS)
  • Tamil Nadu Police Service (TNPS)
  • Tripura Police Service(TPS)
  • Uttarakhand Police Service (UPS)
  • West Bengal Police Service (WBPS)

State Civil Services (Group B)

These officers are recruited by State Public Service Commissions and appointed by the Governor, dealing with subjects like land revenue, agriculture, forests, and education.

  • Sub Divisional Officer (S.D.O.) of various departments
  • Assistant Registrar Cooperative Societies
  • Block Development Officer
  • District Employment Officer (D.E.O.)
  • District Food and Supplies Controller/Officer (D.F.S.O.)
  • District Treasury Officer (S.T.O.)
  • District Welfare Officer (D.W.O.)
  • Excise and Taxation Officer (E.T.O.)
  • Tehsildar/Talukadar/Assistant Collector
  • Forest Range Officer (F.R.O.)
  • Any other Class-I/Class-II service notified by the concerned State (e.g., officers, lecturers, assistants, associate professors, or principals of Government Degree Colleges)

Critique

Performance Concerns

Despite their foundational role, India's Civil Services have faced significant criticism regarding their efficiency and alignment with national goals. International assessments have often highlighted areas for improvement, impacting India's economic performance.

Goldman Sachs Report: "We estimate that if India were to pursue civil service reforms and reach the Asian average on government effectiveness, it could add 0.9 percentage points annually to per capita GDP... Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance."
  • A 2009 survey of leading Asian economies ranked Indian bureaucracy as the least efficient, describing interactions as a "slow and painful" process.
  • A 2012 study by the Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy rated Indian bureaucracy as the worst in Asia, attributing many business complaints to its inefficiency and corruption.
  • An EY (Ernst & Young) Study in 2013 identified infrastructure & real estate, metals & mining, aerospace & defense, and power & utilities as industries most vulnerable to corruption.

Corruption & Inefficiency

A persistent challenge for India's Civil Services has been the prevalence of corruption, often described as institutionalized. This issue manifests in various forms, from bribery to misappropriation of public funds, undermining public trust and developmental efforts.

  • Institutionalized Corruption: A 2012 paper by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions acknowledged that corruption is prevalent at all levels and is "institutionalized."
  • Bribery: A 2005 Transparency International study found that over 92% of Indians had direct experience paying bribes for public services. Truckers alone were estimated to pay ₹222 crore (US$26 million) annually in bribes at state borders. Cases of collusion for preferential tax treatment in exchange for bribes have also been reported.
  • Criminalization: In a three-year period leading up to 2011, over 450 chargesheets for criminal corruption cases were filed by the CBI against civil servants, with 943 cases under investigation.
  • Misappropriation of Funds: Significant losses, estimated at ₹1 lakh crore (US$12 billion), occurred through corruption, waste, and fraud in the National Rural Health Mission. The World Bank reported that aid programs were plagued by corruption, with only 40% of grain for the poor reaching its intended target. Construction mafias, involving corrupt officials, politicians, and contractors, dominated state-funded projects.
  • Theft of State Property: Corrupt officials have been implicated in the illegal acquisition, development, and sale of land in cities and villages.

Political Interference

Political interference is a recurring concern that significantly hampers the independent functioning of the bureaucracy. The nexus between politicians and civil servants, often termed "politicians-babus nexus," contributes to corruption and compromises administrative autonomy.

Supreme Court of India: "Much of the deterioration in the functioning of bureaucracy is due to political interference."
  • In 2013, the Supreme Court of India, in the case of TSR Subramanian & Ors vs Union of India & Ors, mandated fixed tenures for civil servants and instructed senior bureaucrats to document oral instructions from politicians. This ruling aimed to provide greater freedom and independence to the bureaucracy, echoing earlier police reform judgments.
  • The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace noted that the IAS is "hamstrung by political interference, outdated personnel procedures, and a mixed record on policy implementation," emphasizing the urgent need for reform.

Reforms

Modernizing Governance

In response to criticisms and the evolving needs of the nation, significant reforms have been undertaken to professionalize the Civil Services and align them with strategic national goals. These initiatives aim to enhance efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness.

  • Central Civil Services Authority (CCSA): A proposal for the creation of a CCSA was led by then-Defence Minister A. K. Antony to oversee the higher bureaucracy, aiming to enhance professional standards and oversight.
  • Alignment with National Goals: Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's principle of "minimum government and maximum governance," reforms have focused on aligning the civil service with strategic national objectives. This includes lateral entry and the forced retirement of inept or corrupt officers.
  • New Deployment Strategy: Since 2014, newly hired IAS officers are initially deployed within central government ministries as assistant secretaries for a few years, rather than directly in state cadres. This aims to familiarize them with the central government's agenda.
  • Common Foundation Course: From 2020-2021, a common foundation course for all Group A services was introduced to counter the "elite clique" attitude and foster greater inter-service cohesion.
  • Wider Pool for Central Appointments: The discriminatory practice of appointing only IAS officers to central government positions has been phased out. Officers from other services with relevant domain experience are now empanelled and appointed, broadening the talent pool for competent domain experts.

Performance Appraisal

To foster a culture of performance and accountability, the traditional appraisal system has been overhauled, introducing a more comprehensive and multi-faceted evaluation mechanism.

  • 360-Degree Appraisal: Implemented in 2014, this system replaced the archaic annual performance appraisal based solely on the Annual Confidential Report (ACR) written by an officer's boss.
  • Comprehensive Feedback: The new system incorporates confidential feedback from peers, subordinates, and external stakeholders who have interacted with the officer, providing a holistic view of their work-related attitude and behavior.

Lateral Entry

To inject specialized expertise and fresh perspectives into the senior ranks of the civil service, a significant reform involving lateral entry of domain experts has been introduced.

  • Attracting Top Talent: Since 2018, vacancies for senior civil servant positions, traditionally filled by promotion, have been opened for direct hire or lateral entry from across the world.
  • Enhanced Capabilities: This initiative aims to "boost the ministry or department's capabilities and proficiency" and "provide synergies to policy and implementation" by bringing in external domain experts.
  • Initial Inductions: Initially, 10 domain experts were appointed to joint secretary posts (out of 450 total), with an additional 40 lateral entrants at the director and deputy secretary levels.

Accountability Measures

To combat corruption and inefficiency, stringent measures have been implemented to hold civil servants accountable, including empowering citizens and enforcing forced retirements.

  • Citizen Empowerment: In 2016, the government empowered citizens to seek prosecution of corrupt IAS officers. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) now accepts requests from private individuals for sanction of prosecution without requiring a formal proposal or supporting documents initially.
  • Dismissal of Corrupt Officers: In 2019, 12 Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) and 15 Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise) officers were dismissed on corruption and bribery charges.
  • Forced Retirement: A proposal to retire incompetent, inefficient, and unproductive All India Service officers after 15 years of service was accepted in 2011, leading to an amendment of Rule 16(3) of the All India Services (death-cum-retirement benefits) Rules of 1958 in 2012.
  • Mass Dismissals: In 2016, the Ministry of Finance dismissed 72 and prematurely retired 33 Indian Revenue Service officers for non-performance and disciplinary reasons. In 2019, 22 corrupt IRS officers were fired, and 284 Central Secretariat Service officers were under performance audit, signaling that government jobs are no longer "permanent for the dishonest, corrupt and inefficient."

Notable

Visionaries & Innovators

The Indian Civil Services have been home to numerous individuals whose contributions have transcended administrative duties, leaving an indelible mark on science, technology, and public life. Their careers exemplify the potential for civil servants to drive national progress and innovation.

  • Narinder Singh Kapany (IOFS): Known as the "Father of Fibre Optics," he invented fiber optics, revolutionizing telecommunications and medical surgery. Awarded Padma Vibhushan and recognized as an "Unsung Hero of the 20th century" by Fortune magazine.
  • Mantosh Sondhi (IOFS): Served as the first General Manager of the Heavy Vehicles Factory and founding Chairman & Managing Director of Bokaro Steel Plant. He was the first IOFS officer and non-IAS officer to hold multiple Secretary posts in Union Ministries. Awarded Padma Shri and Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland.
  • Nalini Ranjan Mohanty (IOFS): Chairman & Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, instrumental in the development of the LCA – Tejas. Awarded Padma Shri.
  • Rajendra K. Pachauri (IRSME): Chaired the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change when it received the Nobel Prize in 2007. Received Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and international honors.
  • H. P. S. Ahluwalia (IOFS): First Indian to climb Mount Everest. A renowned author, mountaineer, and social worker, he founded the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre. Awarded Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan.
  • Santu Shahaney (IOFS): Served as the first Indian Director General Ordnance Factories (DGOF). Awarded Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for contributions during the Indo-China War of 1962 and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
  • R. M. Muzumdar (IOFS): Second Indian Director General of the Indian Ordnance Factories. Awarded Padma Bhushan for contributions during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
  • Waman Dattatreya Patwardhan (IOFS): Developed solid propellant for India's first space rocket and the detonation system for India's first nuclear bomb. Awarded Padma Shri.
  • H.G.S. Murthy (IOFS): One of the "Seven Pioneers of the Indian Space Programme," he was the first Director of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS). Awarded Padma Shri.
  • K. C. Banerjee (IOFS): General Manager of Rifle Factory Ishapore, developed the 7.62 Self-Loading Automatic Rifle crucial in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Received Padma Shri.
  • O. P. Bahl (IOFS): General Manager of Ammunition Factory Khadki, developed anti-submarine rockets used in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Received Padma Shri.
  • Ashwani Lohani (IRSME): Chairman of Indian Railways and former Chairman and Managing Director of Air India. Holds a Limca record for multiple engineering degree equivalents.
  • G. B. Meemamsi (ITS): Founding Director of C-DOT. Received Padma Shri.
  • Satyendra Dubey: A whistleblower against corruption in the National Highways Authority of India's Golden Quadrilateral project. His assassination led to the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011.
  • E. Sreedharan (IRSE): Known as the "Metro Man," he chaired Konkan Railway, Cochin Shipyard, and the Delhi Metro. Received Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan, and international honors.

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References

References

  1.  The Schedule of Central Civil Services for Group 'B'. The complete list as per Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Govt. of India
  2.  http://dopt.gov.in/sites/default/files/SCHEDULE-2.pdf" Central Civil Service Group B - Government of India, 20 April 2020.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Civil Services of India Wikipedia page

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