To achieve the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, India must focus on not just lateral appointments but also a comprehensive overhaul of its administrative framework. This involves streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and fostering transparency to support sustainable growth and development.

Need for Comprehensive Administrative Reforms in India

Recently, there’s been significant debate surrounding lateral entry into the civil service. However, this issue is relatively minor compared to the larger need for comprehensive administrative reforms in India.The broader concern is that India requires major administrative reforms in addition to ongoing economic reforms to address systemic issues within its bureaucracy.

• Challenges with Bureaucracy: The bureaucracy in India is often criticised by both businesses and citizens. Citizens report difficulties in accessing the benefits of various schemes, while businesses complain about excessive compliance requirements and bureaucratic hurdles that hinder ease of doing business.
• International Comparisons: China’s major administrative reforms, implemented in 1995, followed 15 years of economic liberalisation, underscoring the importance of synchronising administrative reforms with economic changes. India’s previous efforts, such as the Second Administrative Reforms Commission established during UPA 1.0, produced recommendations that have largely remained unimplemented, highlighting the need for updated and actionable reform strategies.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Analysis of India’s Civil Service Structure

• Civil Service Size and Composition: India’s civil service is relatively small compared to international standards, with a notable imbalance in the distribution of roles. There is a disproportionately high number of clerical and administrative staff compared to the number of technocratic experts, teachers, and health workers. This disparity highlights a potential inefficiency in the allocation of human resources within the civil service.
• Generalist vs. Specialist Approach: The civil service in India operates on a generalist model, where civil servants are often appointed based on general administrative skills rather than specific areas of expertise. In contrast, many countries appoint civil servants based on their specialized knowledge and expect them to contribute in their areas of expertise throughout their careers. This difference in approach raises questions about the effectiveness and efficiency of India’s civil service structure.
• Employment Statistics and Global Comparisons: In the 1990s, government employment in India accounted for approximately 1% of total employment. This is notably lower compared to other Asian countries, where government employment typically represents a higher percentage of total employment. For instance, Malaysia and Sri Lanka have around 3% of their workforce in government roles. This statistic underscores a comparative lack of government employment in India relative to its regional counterparts.
• High Cost Relative to GDP: Despite its relatively small size, India’s civil service incurs high costs relative to the country’s per capita GDP. The ratio of the average government wage to per capita GDP in India is 4, which is the highest in the world. This indicates that government employees’ wages are four times the per capita GDP, placing a significant financial burden on the country. This high cost relative to income levels highlights a major fiscal challenge for the Indian government.
• International Wage-to-GDP Ratios: To provide a comparative perspective, the wage-to-GDP ratio in other countries varies significantly:
  • Vietnam and China: The ratio is approximately 1, meaning government wages are about equal to the per capita GDP.
  • Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines: The ratio is around 2.5, indicating that government wages are 2.5 times the per capita GDP.
  • South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia: The ratio ranges from 3 to 4, reflecting that government wages are 3 to 4 times the per capita GDP.
• Implications for India’s Civil Service Structure: The juxtaposition of a small civil service with a high cost relative to India’s GDP suggests that maintaining the current civil service structure may be financially burdensome given the country’s economic context. This discrepancy highlights the need for a reevaluation of the civil service framework to balance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and the capacity to meet the country’s administrative needs.
• Pay Disparity in Civil Service High-level positions such as Cabinet Secretary and Chief Secretary receive lower salaries relative to their private sector counterparts. This has been a point of concern as these roles are crucial for effective governance. Conversely, lower-level civil servants receive higher wages compared to their private sector peers. This has led to a disparity where lower-level wages are relatively more competitive.
  • Compression Ratio: The compression ratio, which measures the wage difference between the highest and lowest grades, has decreased over time. This reduction in disparity indicates a more uniform wage structure, although challenges remain.

Impact of Pay Disparity

• Decline in Quality at Higher Levels: The disparity in salaries between high-level civil service positions and private sector counterparts has led to a decline in the quality of inductees at the upper Posts. Potential candidates may be discouraged from pursuing or remaining in high-level positions within the civil service due to relatively lower pay compared to what is offered in the private sector.
• High Demand for Government Jobs at Lower Levels: At the lower end of the civil service (which constitutes about 90% of the workforce), salaries are higher than in the private sector. This, combined with job security and benefits, drives high demand for government positions. The attractive compensation and stability contribute to a preference for government jobs over private sector opportunities.
• Impact on Expertise and Policy: The elite administrative service, which is crucial for policy-making, often lacks the time and depth needed for specialised expertise. This gap in expertise can result in less effective policy formulation and implementation. In contrast, other countries with well-developed administrative systems benefit from having experts in various domains who contribute to better policy outcomes.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

Needed Reforms in Civil Service

• Promotions and Testing: Implementing a performance-based system for promotions is essential. Promotions should be based on regular testing and performance evaluations rather than time-bound tenure. Age should not be a criterion for advancement; instead, performance should drive career progression. This approach would align the civil service with contemporary standards and expectations.
• Specialisation: Enhancing specialisation within the upper levels of the bureaucracy is necessary. Specialisation allows for more informed and effective policy-making by leveraging deep expertise in specific areas. India could benefit from studying and adopting best practices from East Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. These countries have demonstrated success in creating efficient and specialised bureaucracies.
• Early Selection and Grooming: Emphasising the selection and grooming of civil servants early in their careers for specialisation can lead to a more skilled and knowledgeable administrative workforce.
• Regulatory Bodies Reform: Many regulatory bodies, such as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), are often led by retired officials rather than domain experts. This can impact the effectiveness and technical proficiency of regulatory oversight. The regulatory structure is perceived as complex and opaque, with excessive government regulation potentially curtailing rights and stifling private sector growth.
• Need for Modern Regulatory Structure:
  • Transparency and Simplicity: The regulatory framework should be more transparent and less complex, facilitating easier navigation and compliance.
  • Domain Expertise: Regulatory bodies should be headed by professionals with relevant domain expertise rather than by retired bureaucrats. This will enhance the technical competence and credibility of these bodies.
  • Open Competition: Selection for regulatory positions should be based on open competition, ensuring that the most qualified individuals are appointed.
  • Minimise Regulatory Capture: The aim should be to reduce regulatory capture while avoiding excessive regulation that could hinder private investment and economic growth.
• Public Expenditure Allocation Public spending is not excessively large but is inefficiently allocated. A significant portion (50%) of government expenditure is non-developmental.
  • Major Expenses: Key expenditures include administrative salaries, pensions, and interest payments. To achieve developmental goals by 2047, there needs to be a shift towards more productive spending.
  • Imbalance in Spending: There is a disparity in spending levels, with high central and state expenditures and low local administration spending (4%). Local administrations, being closer to the ground realities, can allocate resources more efficiently and effectively. Increased local spending can lead to more teachers, nurses, and other essential personnel, improving local services and performance monitoring.

Challenge in Implementing Reforms

• Coalition Nature of Current Government: The coalition nature of the current government may pose a challenge to implementing comprehensive reforms. Diverse political interests and potential conflicts within the coalition could slow down or complicate the reform process, making it difficult to achieve consensus and push through necessary changes.

Way Forward

• Need to Modernise Colonial-Style Administration: The existing administrative framework, rooted in 19th-20th century colonial practices, needs modernization to meet contemporary needs. This involves updating outdated procedures and structures to align with current administrative, technological, and governance standards.
• Importance of Lateral Entry: Lateral entry is crucial for specialised agencies and regulatory bodies to infuse them with expertise and fresh perspectives. Bringing in professionals from outside the traditional civil service can enhance the effectiveness and technical proficiency of these organisations.
• Professional Training for Core Government Functions: Core government functions require a civil service that is professionally trained and skilled. Ensuring that civil servants are equipped with relevant expertise and competencies is vital for efficient governance and effective public service delivery.
• Balancing Act: Achieving modernization while maintaining efficiency and integrity is a delicate balancing act. Reforms must be designed to modernise the administrative system without compromising its operational effectiveness or ethical standards. Striking this balance is essential for fostering a more dynamic and accountable civil service.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Conclusion

To realise the vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) in the 21st century, comprehensive administrative reforms are imperative. These reforms must take a holistic approach, addressing key areas such as the size, composition, pay structure, and specialisation of the civil service. By adopting a well-rounded strategy, India can create a more efficient, transparent, and effective administrative system. 

DOWNLOAD PDF

In India, the concept of live-in relationships occupies a complex space between legal recognition and societal acceptance. While legal frameworks have evolved to acknowledge and protect live-in relationships, deep-seated societal norms and legal ambiguities continue to challenge these arrangements. The Supreme Court has provided legal protections for individuals in live-in relationships, yet the gap between legal provisions and societal attitudes remains significant.

Legal Status and Protection

• Supreme Court Rulings: The 2006 Supreme Court decision involving Lata Singh marked a significant judicial endorsement of live-in relationships. This landmark ruling affirmed that such relationships are legally permissible and protected under Indian law, challenging the prevailing social norms that view them as immoral or criminal. The court’s decision extended legal protection to individuals in live-in arrangements, ensuring that their rights are safeguarded despite societal prejudices.
• Domestic Violence Act and Property Rights: The Domestic Violence Act of 2005 further strengthens the legal framework for individuals in live-in relationships by providing them with protections against domestic abuse. This legislation recognizes the rights of individuals in these relationships and grants them access to legal remedies in cases of violence. Additionally, children born from live-in relationships are entitled to inherit property, ensuring that their rights are protected in line with the provisions for legitimate children.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Societal Perspectives and Legal Gaps

• Pluralism vs. Practical Reality: India’s democratic framework celebrates pluralism, promoting unity among diverse social, religious, and political practices. However, this ideal does not always translate into practical reality for those in live-in relationships. The gap between constitutional rights and their practical application is evident, as legal and societal challenges continue to impact live-in couples.
• Impact of Legal Ambiguity: In Chawali v. State of U.P. (2015), the Allahabad High Court, reflecting a conservative view towards marriage, cautioned about the potential emotional and psychological consequences of live-in relationships. 
  • The Court noted: “Not only prostitution but sometimes, as a result of ‘live-in relationship,’ a woman may face deportation or involvement in crimes. 
    • It is not that every live-in relationship results in ill consequences. However, courts have no parameters to determine the intent of individuals in such relationships.”The Court further stated that fundamental rights in India should be viewed from an Indian perspective, where marriage is considered a sacred institution with high family importance, unlike in the West where family ties are less emphasised and divorce rates are higher. 
• 2024 Madhya Pradesh High Court case: In this case the court dismissed an interfaith couple’s plea for protection and marriage registration based on muslim law, which deemed their union invalid according to Islamic rules stating that a Muslim man cannot marry a fire-worshipper woman. 
• Practical Difficulties in Daily Life: Live-in couples often encounter practical challenges in their daily lives, such as difficulties in opening joint bank accounts and securing rental accommodations. The requirement to prove financial dependence and long-term residence is often impractical, reflecting the legal system’s struggle to adapt to contemporary relationship dynamics.

Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store

Conclusion

High court judgments frequently reflect a conservative stance, reserving rights primarily for married couples. A 2023 High Court order emphasized that many rights and privileges are reserved for married individuals to preserve and encourage the institution of marriage. This conservative approach highlights the gap between legal recognition and societal acceptance of live-in relationships. While live-in relationships are legally recognized in India, significant gaps remain between legal provisions and societal acceptance. The Supreme Court’s rulings have provided important protections, yet societal prejudices and legal ambiguities continue to challenge individuals in live-in arrangements. Cases like Shraddha Walkar’s and judicial perspectives highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of live-in relationships and a more adaptable legal framework. Addressing these challenges requires both legal reform and a shift in societal attitudes to ensure that the rights and dignity of individuals in live-in relationships are fully respected and protected.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recent high-level visits like the Prime Minister’s trips to Brunei and Singapore highlights India’s renewed commitment to strengthening ties with the East. Additionally, India’s efforts to lay out the red carpet for the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Malaysia further demonstrate this commitment. Upcoming visits to Laos for the ASEAN-India summit, as well as to the Philippines and Indonesia, emphasise India’s increasing focus on deepening regional engagements in the East.

Background

In the early 1990s, following the disintegration of the USSR into 15 independent states, India lost a longstanding ally and was compelled to seek new friends and strategic partners. During this period, India introduced the Look East policy in the early 1990s to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia.

With the arrival of the Modi government in 2014, the policy evolved into the Act East policy. This shift marked a move from merely looking towards the East to actively engaging with the region. 

The Act East policy emphasises a more proactive approach, encompassing not only ASEAN countries but also expanding focus to include other Indo-Pacific nations such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. This policy shift has intensified India’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic engagements in the region, highlighting a broader and more dynamic approach to regional partnerships and collaborations.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Relations with Brunei

• First Bilateral Visit: India’s engagement with Brunei has been historically limited, with the recent visit marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei. This visit signifies a significant step forward in bilateral relations.
• Strategic Importance of Brunei: Although Brunei is a small nation, it holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the South China Sea, where China’s influence is increasing. This makes Brunei a crucial partner for India. Additionally, Brunei’s alliance with the United States further enhances its significance in the region.
• Economic Ties and Trade Relations: Brunei is rich in oil and gas reserves, and India has been a significant importer of these resources. Over the past decade, while trade between India and ASEAN countries has doubled, trade with Brunei has decreased. This decline is largely due to India’s increased oil and gas imports from Russia after 2022, driven by lower prices.
• Recent Developments and Discussions: Although there is currently no significant strategic partnership between India and Brunei at present, recent discussions between the prime ministers of both countries have touched on defence and geo-strategic issues. The Indian Prime Minister made a  veiled or indirect criticism about China by advocating for free navigation in the South China Sea’s sea lanes. Additionally, the two nations discussed space cooperation, with a focus on Brunei potentially hosting an ISRO station, along with exploring other potential partnerships.

Relations with Singapore

Focus on the Semiconductor Industry

• Focus on the Semiconductor Industry: The Prime Minister of India’s visit to Singapore placed significant emphasis on the semiconductor industry, acknowledging Singapore’s crucial role in the global electronics supply chain. As the global demand for semiconductors continues to rise, their use in an expanding array of products is becoming increasingly vital. 
  • Diversification due to probable Disruption: While Taiwan remains a major producer of semiconductors, from which India currently imports, the ongoing conflict between China and Taiwan presents a potential risk.  India is concerned about possible disruptions in the semiconductor supply chain in the event of an escalation and is therefore exploring additional partners for procurement.
  • Need expertise to strengthen Manufacturing Capabilities: India is actively working to develop its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. However, the country currently lacks the necessary expertise in this area. Singapore’s support could be pivotal in helping India build the required capacity. India needs more technical expertise and investment, particularly in rare earths and chip manufacturing.
  • Mutual benefits:  Singapore, facing a labour shortage and dealing with rising labour costs and land constraints, could benefit from access to Indian labour. 
• Concerns: India’s decision to exit the ASEAN-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2019 has limited its involvement in a significant regional free trade agreement. India has also refused to reconsider its decision as requested by ASEAN.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

For India, this collaboration would help reduce its reliance on any single nation, such as Taiwan or China, especially in the context of regional conflicts. Additionally, Singapore’s investment in India’s semiconductor manufacturing sector could help mitigate the recent decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). This cooperation could be a strategic win-win for both countries.

Way Ahead (India-ASEAN)

• The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), signed in 2009, needs to be renewed.
•  Similarly, the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with Singapore, signed in 2005, requires an upgrade. 
• While India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality on all strategic issues in the Indo-Pacific is strong, closer coordination on geopolitical strategic issues such as Myanmar, the South China Sea, and Quad engagement with ASEAN countries is necessary.

For India, this collaboration would help reduce its reliance on any single nation, such as Taiwan or China, especially in the context of regional conflicts. Additionally, Singapore’s investment in India’s semiconductor manufacturing sector could help mitigate the recent decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). This cooperation could be a strategic win-win for both countries.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Conclusion

For India to fully realise the potential of its “Act East” policy, it must consistently engage with ASEAN countries, address trade and investment gaps, and effectively navigate regional geopolitical issues.

DOWNLOAD PDF