In any system, the quality of public servants is critical in determining outcomes. We have well- established procedures for initial recruitment of civil servants in India.
However, there is growing concern that our civil services and administration in general have become wooden, inflexible, self-perpetuating, and inward-looking. While the bureaucracy responds to crisis situations with efficacy, colossal tardiness and failure to deal with ‘normal’ situations is evident in most cases.
Effective horizontal delegation and a clear system of accountability at every level should be at the heart of our administrative reform. At the same time, we also need to recognize the complex challenges of modern administration in critical sectors like policing, justice delivery, education, healthcare, transportation, land management, infrastructure, skill promotion, employment generation, and urban management.
All these are intricate issues, which need domain expertise, long experience in the sector, and deep insights. Processes of civil service recruitment, periodic training, promotion and posting strategies and career management have to be reformed urgently. We need to foster excellence in the public system, and attract continuously the best talent and expertise. The barrier between government and the rest of the economy and society must be lowered, allowing free movement based on competence and leadership qualities.