Source: Crossing a line: The government should desist from politicising the bureaucracy, Editorial, The Hindu 25-10-2023.
Syllabus: Gs 4: Ethics in Governance, Civil Services Neutrality. Gs-2: Governance, Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.
Politicising the Bureaucracy: A Cause for Concern
- The Centre’s directive to deploy officers to showcase achievements through a roadshow
- Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and its convenient timing for the upcoming Lok Sabha election
- The appointment of Rath Prabharis (chariots in charge) for the roadshow
- The Ministry of Defence’s initiative to set up 822 ‘selfie points’ featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Opposition parties, including Congress, criticised the government for politicizing the bureaucracy and the military
Maintaining Separation of Powers and Impartiality
- India’s constitutional framework separates power among the executive, judiciary, legislature, bureaucracy, and military
- The bureaucracy and the military are insulated from partisan politics
- The importance of bureaucratic impartiality in maintaining the credibility of India’s electoral process
- The principle that civil and military officials remain loyal to the elected government, irrespective of personal ideological leanings
- The potential long-term damage caused by undermining institutions
- The call for the ruling party to prioritize national interests and uphold democratic principles