Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Q3. What role does an impartial civil service play in preserving democratic governance? Analyse the factors that weaken administrative neutrality in India. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
The importance of administrative neutrality amid concerns over politicisation, insecure tenure and declining institutional autonomy.
Key demand of the question
Explain how an impartial civil service protects constitutional governance, policy continuity and equal administration. Analyse the institutional, political and behavioural factors that undermine its neutrality in India.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction
Introduce the civil service as a permanent and politically neutral institution whose primary commitment is to the Constitution while remaining accountable to the elected government.
Body
- Role in democratic governance: Discuss its contribution to constitutional rule, impartial policy implementation, administrative continuity, electoral integrity and institutional accountability.
- Factors weakening neutrality: Analyse the impact of arbitrary transfers, oral instructions, politicised postings, political-bureaucratic collusion and social prejudices.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasising the need to balance democratic responsiveness with professional independence through secure tenure, transparent postings and written accountability.
