Examining the Impact of Recent Scandals and Policy Shifts on the Credibility and Independence of India’s Premier Civil Services Institution
The resignation of UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni on July 5, 2023, with five years still remaining in his term, has sent shockwaves through India’s bureaucratic and political circles. Soni, known for his close ties to the current government and his history of significant roles during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, cited an inability to work under current conditions as his reason for stepping down. This sudden departure comes on the heels of the IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar scandal, where fraudulent certificates were allegedly used, casting serious doubts on the integrity of UPSC’s examination processes.
Rising Concerns of Fraud and Integrity
The UPSC, established in 1926 during the British era as the Public Service Commission, is enshrined in the Indian Constitution between Articles 321 and 378. It has the crucial mandate of conducting examinations for civil service positions, selecting the administrators who will run the country. However, recent allegations and scandals have raised critical questions about the UPSC’s ability to uphold its esteemed legacy.
The Puja Khedkar incident, where fraudulent certificates were used to claim disability and economic disadvantages, highlights a systemic issue within the UPSC. If such frauds can go unchecked, it undermines the credibility of future administrators and the entire selection process. The repeated instances of fraud are alarming, suggesting deeper issues within the institution that need urgent addressing.
Controversies and Leadership Changes
The rapid turnover of UPSC chairmen during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure—eight chairmen in ten years—contrasts sharply with the stability seen during previous administrations. This pattern raises concerns about the political influence and the undermining of the UPSC’s independence. The resignation of Manoj Soni, who was brought in from Gujarat and promoted to the Chairperson of UPSC by Prime Minister Modi, further fuels these concerns.
The 2018 Recruitment Policy Shift
The government’s 2018 decision to recruit professionals directly as joint secretaries, bypassing the traditional UPSC route, added another layer of complexity. Dinesh Dasa, a former Chairman of the Gujarat Public Service Commission, was appointed to the UPSC after his tenure in Gujarat, reflecting the deep-rooted ties with the Gujarat lobby and the current administration. Dasa’s career trajectory, which includes roles such as working for LIC and serving on various academic councils and universities in Gujarat, exemplifies the increasing trend of politically influenced appointments.
Similarly, Priti Sudan, an IAS officer from the 1983 batch, significantly contributed to flagship programs like ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ and ‘Ayushman Bharat’ under Modi’s leadership. Her work in the health sector and subsequent proximity to the government facilitated her appointment to the UPSC, showcasing the broader trend of political influence in bureaucratic appointments.
Bidyut Behari Swain, from the Gujarat cadre of 1988, also exemplifies the nexus between government appointments and political proximity. His career, involving significant roles in the Commerce Ministry and later in the MSME sector, further emphasizes the influence of the Gujarat lobby in key administrative positions.
Rahul Gandhi’s Critique and Broader Implications
Rahul Gandhi often points out that the country’s senior bureaucracy lacks diversity, with negligible representation from OBCs, SCs, and STs. This reflects a broader issue of elitism within the bureaucracy, which is supposed to be inclusive. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has become increasingly powerful, overshadowing the ministers of various departments, and directly influencing bureaucratic appointments.
Political Reactions and Public Accountability
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the BJP and RSS of systematically taking over India’s constitutional bodies, thereby damaging their reputation, integrity, and autonomy. He highlights the multiple scandals plaguing the UPSC as a cause for national concern, calling for transparency from PM Modi and his ministers. Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav also criticized the resignation of the UPSC Chairman as insufficient, demanding accountability for corruption within the Commission.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra emphasized the importance of the UPSC’s professional system to the trust of millions of Indians and the functioning of the country’s governance. She questioned the role of political appointees in the current scandals and called for government action against those responsible.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
The integrity of the UPSC is vital for the nation’s governance and public trust. The recent controversies and the increasing political influence in bureaucratic appointments demand thorough scrutiny and accountability. As the public gave the government its mandate, it is essential to hold the government accountable for upholding constitutional principles and maintaining the autonomy of institutions like the UPSC. The future of India’s civil services and the country’s administration depends on restoring the integrity and transparency of the UPSC.