Public Services

Public services are the cornerstone of a functioning society, providing essential amenities, infrastructure, and support to citizens. In India, the delivery of public services plays a pivotal role in shaping the socio-economic landscape and ensuring inclusive growth. From education and healthcare to transportation and governance, public services touch every aspect of people’s lives. This blog delves into the intricacies of public services in India, exploring their significance, challenges, and evolution over time.

A public service refers to a service provided by the government to individuals residing within its jurisdiction, either directly through the public sector or by funding private service providers. This encompasses the services offered, the interactions stemming from these services, and the mechanisms in place for addressing grievances arising from them. Public services encompass various facets of daily life, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and maintaining law and order.

History and Background

• The British government established civil services in India to strengthen their administration.
• Initially, civil services focused solely on regulatory functions to expand British interests.
• Over time, their role evolved to include developmental tasks.
• The Indian Civil Service (ICS) originated with the East India Company.
• In 1800, Lord Wellesley recognized the importance of education, expertise, and character for administrators and established the College of Fort William.
• The College aimed to provide education similar to Oxford and Cambridge universities.
• However, the College was eventually located in England, and civil servants were trained at the East India College in Haileybury.
• Recruitment to the ICS was through competitive exams, but entry was through Directors’ nomination.
• The exam was held in London, and the curriculum favored candidates educated in England, making it difficult for Indians to compete unless they were wealthy and studied in England.
• The Indian National Congress demanded increased Indian representation in the ICS since its inception in 1885.
• Consequently, the curriculum was broadened, and a parallel exam was introduced in India in 1922.
• By the time of power transfer, half of the ICS members were Indians.

Constitutional Provision

• Part XIV of the Constitution (Articles 308 to 314) covers all-India services, Central Services, and state services.
• Article 309 gives power to the Parliament and state legislatures to regulate recruitment and service conditions for individuals in public services under the Centre and states. Restrictions can be imposed on Fundamental Rights for reasons like integrity, efficiency, and discipline.
• Conduct rules like the Central Services (Conduct) Rules, Railway Services (Conduct) Rules, etc., outline these limitations.
• Article 310 states that members of the defence services, civil services of the Centre, and all-India services hold office at the president’s pleasure.
• Article 311 provides safeguards against arbitrary dismissal by ensuring that civil servants cannot be dismissed by a lower authority and must be given a chance to respond to charges against them.
• Article 312 outlines provisions for all-India services.
• Article 312 A (added by the 28th Amendment Act of 1972) allows Parliament to alter the terms of service for persons appointed to the civil service of the Crown in India before 1950.
• Article 313 deals with transitional provisions, stating that laws applicable to public services before 1950 continue to apply until changed.
• The 28th Amendment Act of 1972 repealed Article 314, which protected existing officers of certain services.

All India Services

• All-India services are shared by both the Central and state governments, with members occupying top positions in both spheres and serving alternately.
• The three current all-India services are the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS).
• IAS replaced the Indian Civil Service (ICS) in 1947, and IPS replaced the Indian Police (IP), both recognized as all-India services by the Constitution. IFS was established in 1966.
• The All-India Services Act of 1951 allows the Central Government to establish rules, in consultation with state governments, regarding recruitment and service conditions.
• Members of these services are recruited and trained by the central government before being assigned to various states.
• They serve on deputation for the Central Government and return to their states after their term.
• Each service forms a single entity with uniform rights, status, and pay scales across the country, regardless of state division.
• Salaries and pensions are paid by the respective state governments.
• Central and state governments jointly control all-India services, with the Central government having ultimate control and state governments immediate control.
• Only the Central government can take disciplinary action against these officers.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key advocate in the Constituent Assembly, earned the title “Father of All-India Services” for his advocacy of these services.

Importance of Public Services

• Public services are crucial for political modernization in developing societies.
• A well-organized public bureaucratic structure is essential before the establishment of electoral democracy to ensure government system stability and continuity.
• Civil servants, especially All India Service officials, play a vital role in fostering a sense of national belonging among citizens of India.
• Civil servants are responsible for promoting inclusivity in society, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach the poor and vulnerable.
• They work to undo the effects of colonial misrule by promoting a welfare-oriented approach.
• Public services act as impartial development agents in diverse societies, advocating for democratic socialism.
• They uphold the rule of law by balancing political direction with legal provisions, aiding in conflict resolution, change management, and crisis management.

Criticism of Public Services

• Public services consume a significant portion of government budgets, but increased spending doesn’t always translate into improved outcomes.
• Corruption often disrupts public services, leading to funds earmarked for essentials like books, medical supplies, and infrastructure being misappropriated by officials or private contractors.
• Limited improvements in provider agencies and restricted options for citizens create barriers for vulnerable populations to access these services.
• Post-independence, the Indian Civil Service and bureaucracy evolved into systems plagued by corruption and nepotism.
• Excessive centralization and detachment of policies from citizen needs result in a mismatch between required and provided services.
• Corruption and nepotism within the Indian bureaucracy have both political and administrative implications, becoming ingrained within the system.
• Red-tapism significantly hinders India’s socio-economic development, causing delays in development projects.
• Mass bureaucratic transfers during government changes encourage bureaucrats to seek favor from politicians, impacting governance dynamics.

In conclusion, the efficiency of public services is paramount for the effective functioning of any administrative system. Public servants play crucial roles in policymaking, implementation, and evaluation. The Welfare State principle has facilitated closer ties between the government, public services, and the populace, underscoring the need for a harmonious relationship among them. Expertise, dynamism, and leadership are key attributes of public service, enabling them to function autonomously and effectively. In contemporary times, the public sector stands as a vital cornerstone of government operations.

Also read about Tribunals and Co-operative Societies.