Politicization of Bureaucracy and Its Consequences

Context:

• This article is based on an Editorial “Crossing a line: On the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra roadshow, the implications” which was published in the Hindu. Recently, the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, issued a circular on the nomination of bureaucrats as “rath prabharis”, for the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

Who are ‘Rath Prabharis’?

• The Centre has planned to depute joint secretaries, directors and deputy directors as district “rath prabharis” in a campaign to highlight achievements of the past nine years of the central government.
• Separately, the Ministry of Defence is setting up 822 ‘selfie points’ where citizens can click themselves with a picture of the Prime Minister.
• In the past, the Ministry of Defence issued a similar order for the soldiers on annual leave to promote government schemes as “soldier-ambassadors.”
• Recent moves raise not only political but also constitutional and ethical questions.

What is the Politicization of Bureaucracy?

• The politicization of bureaucracy refers to the situation in which the bureaucracy is influenced by political considerations and is used to serve the interests of the ruling party or the political leadership.
• The politicization of bureaucracy undermines the principles of neutrality and impartiality that are supposed to guide the bureaucracy’s work (Nolan Committee’s 7 Principles).

Politicization of Bureaucracy: Key Issues

• Separation Of Power: India’s constitutional governance scheme envisages the separation of power among the three arms of the state — the executive, the judiciary, and the legislature.
  • While both the bureaucracy and the military are strictly under the control of the political executive, they are insulated from partisan politics.
• Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964: It bars Government servants from participating in any political activity.
• Fairness of Electoral Process: The extensive election process in India has largely retained its credibility because of the bureaucratic impartiality demanded by the system.

What factors are leading to the politicization of bureaucracy in India?

• Patronage-based Appointments: Political parties in power often appoint bureaucrats who are loyal to them or have a history of supporting them.
  • For example: VK Pandian, Former private secretary to Odisha Chief Minister has been appointed as Chairman of 5T (Transformational Initiatives) and ‘Nabin Odisha’ comes just after he opted for voluntary retirement.
• Transfer and Posting: The political leadership often uses transfers and postings to reward or punish bureaucrats based on their political allegiance. 
• Lack of accountability:  Bureaucrats often enjoy a high degree of discretion in the exercise of their powers, and there is often little or no oversight of their actions. 
• This makes bureaucrats susceptible to political pressure and influences their decision-making process.
• Fear of Vegenence: There is always the risk of harassment or victimization, refusing to abide by Political masters’ orders  or honestly performing one’s duty.
• Nexus of Bureaucracy and Politicians: It is  one of the main factors for widespread corruption.
• Committed Bureaucracy: Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, advocated the concept of ‘committed bureaucracy’  the answer to the ills of neutrality that crippled the development process in India. 

What are the impacts of politicization of bureaucracy?

• Loss Of Neutrality: Bureaucrats are supposed to be neutral. When they favor a political group, they might not treat everyone equally.
• Inefficiency: Decision-making can be based on what’s politically beneficial rather than what’s good for the public. This can slow things down and lead to poor choices.
• Loss of Public Trust: People might feel that bureaucrats aren’t working for their benefit but for political gains. This can make people lose faith in the system.
• Corruption: Mixing politics and bureaucracy can sometimes lead to corrupt practices, where power and money change hands improperly.
• Hampers Long-Term Development: Political interest can be short-sighted. If bureaucrats cater to these, the country’s long-term growth might suffer.

Conclusion:

By strengthening the selection process, ensuring accountability, decentralizing power, and strengthening civil society, it is possible to reduce the politicization of bureaucracy in India and build a more efficient, accountable, and effective system of governance.