Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Role of civil services in a democracy
Context
India has a huge task at hand in restoring the image of the civil services
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 2nd October 2024
It is time to fix the UPSC selection process
The Puja Khedkar episode has raised significant concerns about the functioning of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC ) and the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), highlighting serious flaws in the selection processes. These issues resonate with previous controversies like the NEET fiasco, emphasizing the need for reforms in national-level examinations and civil services.
Reservation/Quota Rules in UPSC
UPSC follows the Government of India’s reservation policy in appointments to services. The quota rules apply to different stages of the selection process as per constitutional and statutory provisions.
Reservation Categories
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 15% reservation.
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5% reservation.
- Other Backward Classes (OBC) (Non-Creamy Layer): 27% reservation.
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10% reservation.
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 4% reservation across services, with specific eligibility based on the type of disability.
Relaxation in Age Limits and Number of Attempts
- General Category:
- Maximum Age: 32 years (upper limit).
- Number of Attempts: 6 attempts.
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer):
- Maximum Age: 35 years.
- Number of Attempts: 9 attempts.
- SC/ST:
- Maximum Age: 37 years.
- Number of Attempts: Unlimited attempts up to the age limit.
- PwBD: Relaxation of 10 years in the upper age limit.
Relaxation in Qualifying Marks and Cut-Off
- For candidates from reserved categories, the qualifying marks and cut-off in the Preliminary and Mains examination are relaxed based on government guidelines.
- Separate Merit Lists
- The UPSC prepares separate merit lists for reserved category candidates. While they compete within their own categories, reserved category candidates can be selected in the general category if they score higher than the general cut-off.
- This concept is known as “Meritorious Reserved Category” (MRC).
- Reservation in Services
- The reservation policy applies during the final allocation of services.
- Reserved category candidates, based on their merit, are allotted services under the quota system as per the availability of vacancies.
Key Issues Highlighted
- Gaping Holes in the System:
- The UPSC controversy reveals long-term flaws in the implementation of OBC and EWS reservation systems.
- The income certificate process, handled by Tehsildars, lacks credibility and has been widely criticized.
- Ambiguity in Income Criteria:
- There is confusion on whether the income of the candidate or the candidate’s father is considered for EWS/OBC reservations.
- No clarity exists on income thresholds for candidates who reapply after joining civil services.
- Flaws in the Verification Process
- Tehsildars lack the proper authority and tools to verify the financial status of candidates.
- Wealthy OBC families who evade taxes can still obtain reservation benefits without checks.
- There is no proactive system of verifying fraudulent cases; action is taken only when complaints are filed.
- Fraudulent Use of Certificates:
- Many candidates manipulate the system by using EWS/OBC certificates to clear the exam after failing previously.
- The system is rarely scrutinized, and certificates once issued are neither questioned nor verified.
- Mental Disability in Civil Services:
- The inclusion of mental disability within the civil services disability quota needs reconsideration, given the mental demands of these roles.
- Absence of Aptitude Tests:
- Unlike the Defence Services, the civil services do not have an aptitude test, despite the need for specific mental and emotional aptitudes.
The Need for Reforms
- Transparency & Technology:
- Increased transparency at every stage through the use of advanced technology could prevent misuse.
- Systems like Aadhaar, though helpful, have shown vulnerabilities, with examples of fraudulent use in welfare schemes.
- Clear Instructions on Criteria:
- The government should issue uniform guidelines on income and disability applicable across states and ministries.
- Establishing a robust verification system is essential to ensure fairness.
- Penalties for Misrepresentation:
- Strict penalties should be imposed on officers and doctors who issue certificates without proper due diligence.
Conclusion
The flaws exposed in the UPSC and IAS selection processes highlight the urgent need for procedural and structural reforms. Introducing clear guidelines, transparent verification, and imposing penalties for fraud could restore faith in these prestigious services. The changes must focus on fairness, merit, and using technology to prevent manipulation and fraud.
Related PYQ
“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context, suggest reforms in Civil Service for Strengthening Democracy? [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2020]
Practice Question
The growing concerns over misuse of reservations in India’s civil services have raised questions about the effectiveness of verification processes. Critically examine the flaws and suggest measures to improve the system? [150 words]
Guidelines to Answer
- Introduction:
- Briefly describe the OBC and EWS reservation systems and their objectives.
- Introduce the issue of misuse and fraudulent practices in the verification of income and other eligibility criteria.
- Body:
- Challenges: Highlight flaws in the verification system, the role of Tehsildars, and the lack of proactive scrutiny.
- Consequences: Explain the impact on fair competition, merit, and public trust in the civil services.
- Solutions: Propose reforms such as a centralized, transparent verification system, regular income reassessments, and the use of technology to monitor and prevent misuse.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the need for structural reforms and policy updates to ensure that reservation benefits reach the deserving and prevent manipulation of the system.