From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About the Kothari commission;
Mains level: Suggestions from the Kothari Commission;
Why in the News?
Public service doesn’t have exclusive rights to serve the nation, nor does it offer any special opportunities for doing so.
Present Status of Civil Services in India
- Reputation and Credibility: Recent controversies, such as the case of IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who has allegedly misused quotas and provided false documentation shadow over the credibility of UPSC.
- High Aspirations and Struggles: The civil service job is a highly demandable career in India. It is often viewed as a prestigious and stable option which leads to a competitive environment where many aspirants repeatedly attempt the UPSC exams leading to mental health struggles and societal pressure.
- Coaching Industry Influence: The expansive coaching industry thrives on the aspirations of civil service candidates by capitalizing on the high failure rates and the desperation of aspirants.
About the Kothari Commission:
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Suggestions from the Kothari Commission:
The Kothari Commission’s recommendations, which aimed to reform education and public service, can provide a framework for addressing the current challenges in the civil services:
- Age Limit Adjustments: The government should reduce the upper age limit for candidates from around 34-35 years to 25 years, with allowances for special categories which could help mitigate the prolonged pursuit of civil services and reduce the burden on young aspirants.
- Limiting Attempts: Restricting the number of attempts to three, with an additional attempt for special categories which could help streamline the process and discourage the excessive commercialization of coaching services that exploit aspirants’ ambitions.
- Broadened Perspectives on Service: Encouraging young people to view various professions as valid forms of national service rather than solely focusing on government positions.
Way forward:
- Reforming Recruitment and Training Processes: To enhance credibility and transparency in civil services recruitment, the UPSC and related bodies could implement stricter verification processes for candidates’ credentials, including quotas and documentation.
- Diversifying Career Awareness and Opportunities: The government, along with educational institutions like CBSE can promote awareness of diverse career paths beyond civil services, emphasizing the value of contributing to the nation through various professions.
Mains PYQ:
Q Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services. Comment (UPSC IAS/2017)
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