Approach:
- Provide a brief overview of the Civil Services Board and its intended objectives.
- Discuss the positive aspects of the board in terms of enhancing bureaucratic effectiveness.
- Analyze the challenges and concerns associated with its implementation.
- Conclude with appropriate remarks.
Answer:
The establishment of the Civil Services Board (CSB) aims to regulate the transfers and postings of senior civil service officers in India. At the national level, it is chaired by the cabinet secretary, while chief secretaries oversee it at the state level. The requirement for all states to form such boards was outlined in the Department of Personnel Rules 2016, following recommendations by the Hota Committee (2004), 2nd Administrative
Reforms Commission (ARC), and a Supreme Court (SC) judgment in the T S R Subramanian and others v. Union of India case in 20 13.
The creation of Civil Services Boards holds the potential to enhance bureaucratic effectiveness in the following ways:
- It would serve as a safeguard against political interference, putting an end to frequent and arbitrary transfers of civil servants, which significantly contribute to the declining morale of civil servants and administrative standards.
- Ensuring stability and de-politicization would provide civil servants with security of tenure, promoting good governance. Furthermore, it would facilitate fair postings for all officers.
- The establishment of an accountability mechanism would foster transparency and accountability within the administration.
- Public administrators would feel secure and adhere to regulations rather than appeasing political authorities.
- Protection from political interference would help instill neutrality and objectivity in the functioning of civil servants.
- Longer and stable tenures would lead to improved learning outcomes for public servants and enhanced service delivery to the people.
However, there are certain issues associated with the implementation of the Civil Services Board:the Civil Services Board:
- Recommendatory nature: The recommendations made by the board can be amended, modified, or rejected by the government, provided the reasons are duly recorded in writing.
- Lack of compliance: Only 20 states have established a CSB thus far, with the latest being Punjab in 2020. States such as Madhya
- Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have failed to comply with the mandatory rules regarding the formation of the board.
- Conflict of interest: The board is chaired by bureaucrats who might face conflicts of interest during the decision-making process.
- Reduced accountability to legislators: Stability of tenure may lead to functional and administrative challenges, potentially causing officers to exceed their authority and jurisdiction over the state government. This may result in reduced accountability towards legislators.
Conclusion/Way forward:
To address these concerns, strict adherence to the To address these concerns, strict adherence to the guidelines set by the Supreme Court and the Central government is crucial. guidelines set by the Supreme Court and the Central government is crucial. Additionally, it is important that governments do not reject the
Additionally, it is important that governments do not reject the recommendations of the Civil Services Board recommendations of the Civil Services Board on frivolous grounds. on frivolous grounds. Establishing Civil Services Boards would ensure the independence of the civil Establishing Civil Services Boards would ensure the independence of the civil service and contribute to their impartial and nonservice and contribute to their impartial and non–partisan functioning, which partisan functioning, which is essential for fostering good governance in India.is essential for fostering good governance in India.