UPSC Mains Answer: “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.

Difficulty Level: Medium

Sub-category: Governance, Constitution, and Polity (Post-Independence Consolidation)

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Institutional quality underpins economic performance by ensuring accountability, efficiency, and rule of law. The Civil Service, as the backbone of governance, must undergo targeted reforms to fortify democracy and catalyze economic growth.
Introduction: India’s Civil Service, inherited from colonial structures, faces challenges like bureaucratic inertia, politicization, and lack of domain expertise. Strengthening its institutional quality is imperative for responsive and transparent governance.
Reforms for Democratic Strengthening: 1. Merit-Based Recruitment: Expand lateral entry to infuse specialized skills (e.g., economists, technocrats) while retaining UPSC’s impartiality. This bridges the gap between policy formulation and execution.
2. Accountability Mechanisms: Implement performance audits and citizen feedback loops (e.g., social audits) to curb corruption and inefficiency. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) must be empowered with autonomy.
3. Decentralization: Devolve powers to local bodies (Panchayats/ULBs) under the 73rd/74th Amendments to enhance grassroots participation and reduce red tape.
4. Capacity Building: Mandate continuous training (e.g., via Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration) in digital governance, ethics, and public policy to align with global best practices.
5. Transparency: Enforce the Right to Information (RTI) Act rigorously and adopt e-governance tools (e.g., Aadhaar-linked services) to minimize discretionary powers.
Conclusion: Civil Service reforms must prioritize adaptability, citizen-centricity, and ethical leadership. By fostering a culture of innovation and accountability, India can harness its demographic dividend and achieve sustainable development, reinforcing democracy’s foundational principles.