Neutrality
- Definition: Not taking sides on any issue or situation, striving for objectivity and fairness.
- Context: Often refers to political neutrality, specifically the relationship between civil servants and political executives. Neutrality aims to present all sides of an issue without bias.
Committed Bureaucracy
- Negative Perspective: A politicised bureaucracy serves the narrow interests of the ruling party (e.g., Nazi Germany).
- Positive Perspective: Civil servants are committed to the state, constitution, and laws, offering technical advice aligned with the state’s objectives, even if they support the ruling party’s programs.
Neutrality of Constitutional Offices
- Recent Context: The neutrality of constitutional offices (e.g., Governors, Speakers) has been scrutinised by the Supreme Court based on the ‘Doctrine of Political Neutrality.’
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Importance of Impartiality
- Maintaining Public Trust: Essential for public trust and effective governance.
- Preserving Fairness: Prevents disruption in a democracy and ensures a level playing field.
- Cooperative Governance: Vital for effective federalism and avoiding conflicts between state and central governments.
Challenges to Civil Services Neutrality
- Political Influence: Job security and promotions can pressure civil servants to favour specific parties.
- Unnecessary Secrecy: Opaque operations foster connections between politicians and bureaucrats, leading to personal gains.
- Internal Divisions: Factionalism based on caste, religion, etc., can lead to prioritising group interests over neutrality.
- Misguided Loyalty: Loyalty to the ruling party may overshadow impartial service to the public.
Way Forward
- Upholding Democratic Principles: Constitutional offices must adhere to fairness and independence while avoiding political interference to maintain democratic integrity.
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