“ Creating a future-ready bureaucracy”

As per reports, the Department of Administrative   Reforms &Public Grievances  is hiring consultant to introduce reforms in bureaucracy. I am per se opposed to the idea. Especially so, when the recommendations of the second Administrative Reforms Commission  (ARC-2) remain unimplemented since January 2007. As a result, the bureaucracy remains inefficient, laid-back resulting in poor public grievances redressal mechanism. We remember the veterans for pro-activism, high ethical standards and the ability to stand up for their beliefs. Not any longer. Reasons :Flawed selection criteria and not following good administrative practices. The policy-makers  may revisit their decision of hiring private consultant and consider following suggestions, among others.

 (a) The bureaucratic structure is top-heavy, multi-layered and unwieldy. The bureaucratic cholesterol clogs the wheel of decision-making. Rightsizing  bureaucracy by chopping off the deadwood is absolutely necessary. This is not being done;

(b) Introduce accountability, transparency and delegation of authority;

(c )Out-sourcing non-sensitive jobs to contractual appointees to speed up public services delivery mechanism, as against creating additional posts as permanent liability,

(d)The post-retirement placements should be banned. No extension or re-employment beyond superannuation. Exceptions could be made, in special circumstances with  approval of the Cabinet committee on Appointments  headed  by the Prime Minister.

(e)The above suggestions, if implemented, will merely provide band-aid to reform bureaucracy. Reforms in the recruitment process are also needed. Going forward, for attracting the best talent through the civil services, examinations, the eligibility age limits should be pegged between 21 and 24 years. Further, the total number of attempts for appearing in the examinations should not exceed three (as in the past). Suitable relaxations should be provided to help the deprived sections. Also, there should be a minimum qualifying standard prescribed by the UPSC for the personality tests (interviews).This will make the assessment holistic.

A K Saxena (Former civil servant)