Principle of bureaucratic impartiality
Context:
Recently, the government directs its bureaucracy to participate in a grand roadshow called Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, planned to take place from November 20 to January 25, 2024. The objective of this roadshow is to showcase the government’s achievements at the village level across the nation.
Relevance:
GS -02 (Government policies and interventions)
Prelims:
Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra
Mains Question:
Evaluate the potential consequences of the government’s directive to involve bureaucracy in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra roadshow and analyze its impact on the principles of impartiality and non-partisanship within India’s governance framework. (150 words)
Dimensions of the Article:
- The Fundamental Principles
- The Dangers of Partisanship
- Undermining Institutions
The Fundamental Principles:
- India’s constitutional framework is built on a clear separation of powers among the 3 branches of government: Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature, showcasing a line of separation between the bureaucracy, the military, and the political executive.
- While both the bureaucracy and the military operate under the control of the political executive, they are traditionally shielded from partisan political influences. This separation of roles and neutrality has played a crucial role in preserving the credibility of India’s extensive electoral process.
- The principle of bureaucratic impartiality is a cornerstone of this system, and the military’s involvement in domestic politics is considered unacceptable.
The Dangers of Partisanship:
- The recent directive from the government appears to place civil officials, particularly Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries, in a partisan role to further the interests of the ruling party.
- Such instant directives compel these officials to engage in activities that are politically motivated, which is a stark departure from the established norms of bureaucratic impartiality.
Undermining Institutions:
- The current practices, have the tendency to undermine the credibility and integrity of key institutions which might prove to be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse.
- It is essential for the Government to prioritize the nation’s interests over its own political gains which underscores the need for political leaders to practice what they preach, adhering to the fundamental principles that have helped preserve India’s democratic institutions and political processes.
Way Forward:
- Upholding the principles of non-partisanship and impartiality within the bureaucracy and the military is crucial for preserving India’s democratic integrity. Hence, government should focus on developing an environment that adheres to constitutional principles and promotes fairness and equity in electoral processes.
