During a parliamentary address on July 29, 2024, Rahul Gandhi (Leader of Opposition) highlighted the absence of SC/ST officers in framing the 2024 Budget proposal, noting that only one officer from the minorities and one from the OBC category were among the 20 involved. He emphasised the lack of representation of marginalised communities in key policy-making roles. The Union Finance Minister responded by pointing out similar absences in the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust and Foundation, turning the issue into a political exchange. This issue highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring social justice and inclusivity in government institutions.

Reasons for Underrepresentation of SC/ST and Vulnerable Communities in Key Policy-Making or Bureaucracy

• Upper Caste Domination: One significant factor is the continuing domination of upper castes at senior levels of the civil service. 

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• Eligibility and Age Factor: Civil service examination eligibility varies by category:
• General Category Candidates: Ages 21 to 32 years, with six attempts allowed.
• SC/ST candidates: Ages up to 37 years, with unlimited attempts.
• OBC candidates: Ages up to 35 years, with nine attempts.
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Ages up to 42 years, with unlimited attempts for SC/ST and nine attempts for other categories.

Due to these age limits, SC/ST and PwBD candidates often join the civil service later and may retire before reaching senior positions, affecting their career progression. The age factor creates a disparity, as those who join at a younger age have more time to advance, regardless of performance.

What Can Be Done?

• To address these issues, the focus should shift from age of entry to efficiency and competence. 
• Implementing a fixed tenure for all civil service entrants, irrespective of their age of entry, could help. A suggested tenure might be 35 years.
• If we consider retirement before age 70, the age limits could be adjusted to ensure retirement around 67 years. 
• Also, stringent medical fitness examinations could be introduced after age 62.
• Given that the average age of men and women is rising in India, extended or reappointment opportunities for qualified SC/ST officers can be allowed to further enhance their presence in key positions. 
  • For instance, individuals like Ajit Doval (National Security Advisor) continue to hold influential positions post-retirement. This way increasing representation of eligible SC/ST officers in senior roles even beyond traditional retirement age can be feasible. 

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Conclusion

Ensuring inclusivity and social justice in the bureaucracy and other top government institutions is crucial for equitable policy-making and governance. Diverse representation at senior levels ensures that a broad spectrum of perspectives is considered, leading to fairer and more comprehensive policy outcomes. It is essential to fulfil the dream of Viksit Bharat, with social justice for all and create opportunities for all communities to contribute effectively to national governance.

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