Topic – Role of civil services in a democracy
4) Several of India’s developmental challenges are a direct outcome of the failure of IAS system. Critically comment.(250 words)
Why this question
With the recent news of lateral entry in government service capturing headlines, the focus shifts to performance of IAS officers and whether they have dutifully performed the role that was envisaged of them – becoming the iron frame. Answer to this question would automatically help us do a critical analysis of lateral entry in civil services.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to critically comment on whether several of India’s developmental challenges like malnutrition, poor learning levels etc are a result of the faults within the IAS system.
Directive word
Critically comment – When you are asked to comment, you have to pick main points and give your ‘opinion’ on them based on evidences or arguments stemming from your wide reading. Critically comment is also forming opinion on main points but in the end you have to provide a fair judgement.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – You can start with explaining the vision of sardar Patel regarding the role of civil services in democracy.
Body – Focus should be on examining how far the IAS have helped the country in carrying out projects and running administration so that the fruits of development are enjoyed by everyone. We should also bring out the failures of IAS system such as myopic understanding of their role, bend under political pressure etc which have led to sub-optimal results in several critical challenges like malnutrition etc.
Conclusion – give a fair and balanced view along with the way forward which is unleashing civil services reforms.
