In a democratic country, the bureaucracy plays a vital role in governing the nation and ensuring the smooth functioning of the government. To maintain the bureaucracy's neutrality and efficiency, it is crucial to desist from politicising it. However, in recent times, there has been a growing trend of the government politicising various aspects of the bureaucracy, which poses a threat to the foundation of a healthy democracy. This article explores the reasons why the government should refrain from politicising the bureaucracy.

1. Neutrality and Impartiality

One of the primary reasons for desisting from politicising the bureaucracy is the importance of maintaining its neutrality and impartiality. A neutral and impartial bureaucracy ensures that government policies and decisions are implemented fairly, without any bias or prejudice. When the bureaucracy becomes politicised, it is susceptible to political interference, which compromises its ability to serve the best interests of the nation. Neutrality is vital for public servants to make decisions solely based on merit and in the interest of citizens, rather than succumbing to political pressure.

2. Meritocracy and Expertise

An apolitical bureaucracy allows for a merit-based system, where recruitment, promotions, and appointments are made based on the candidate's qualifications, skills, and expertise. An unbiased bureaucratic system ensures that the most capable individuals are in positions of power, leading to effective governance. However, when the bureaucracy becomes politicised, appointments and promotions may be influenced by political affiliation rather than merit. This compromises the overall efficiency of the bureaucracy and leads to a decline in the quality of governance.

3. Accountability and Transparency

Non-politicisation of the bureaucracy enhances accountability and transparency in the government. An apolitical bureaucracy ensures that civil servants are accountable to the nation and its citizens, rather than being solely accountable to the ruling political party. When politicians gain control over the bureaucracy, it becomes challenging to hold them accountable for their actions as they may use their power to protect their interests. Transparency is essential to maintain public trust in the government, and politicising the bureaucracy undermines this trust.

4. Continuity of Policies

Politically neutral bureaucrats contribute to the continuity of policies and programs, irrespective of any change in government. In a democratic setup, governments change periodically, and each new government may have its own set of priorities and policies. However, an apolitical bureaucracy ensures that the core functioning of the government does not undergo abrupt changes with each change in government. This continuity is crucial for the stable development and progress of the nation.

5. Professionalism and Integrity

Politicisation of the bureaucracy can lead to a decline in professionalism and integrity. When bureaucrats owe their positions to political affiliation rather than their own capabilities, they may be more inclined to serve the interests of the political party rather than the nation. This compromises their professionalism and integrity. A non-politicised bureaucracy, on the other hand, upholds high standards of professionalism and integrity, enabling them to serve as a check on the excesses of political power.

6. Stifling of Innovation

Politicisation can often stifle innovation and creativity within the bureaucracy. When bureaucrats are bound by political ideology, they may hesitate to propose new and innovative ideas that challenge the existing government policies. This stifling of innovation hampers progress and limits the government's ability to adapt to changing circumstances and address emerging challenges effectively. An apolitical bureaucracy, on the other hand, encourages out-of-the-box thinking and fosters an environment that promotes innovation.

Conclusion

From the perspective of the UPSC, it is essential to recognize the importance of desisting from politicising the bureaucracy. A politicised bureaucracy not only undermines the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and professionalism but also poses a threat to the overall functioning of a democratic government. Governments must prioritize meritocracy, accountability, and transparency to ensure the efficient functioning of the bureaucracy. By maintaining an apolitical bureaucracy, governments can uphold the true essence of democracy and protect the best interests of the nation and its citizens.