Administrative Reforms in India - Detailed Analysis

Since gaining Independence, India has seen the formation of around fifty Commissions and Committees at the Union Government level which were set up to explore and implement administrative reforms. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, established in January 1966, was tasked with examining all aspects related to the following areas –

• The organization and working procedures of the Government of India;
• The structure for planning across all levels;
• The relationship between the Center and the states;
• The administration of financial affairs;
• Management of personnel;
• The functioning of economic administration;
• Administration at the state level;
• District-level administration;
• Administration related to agriculture; and
• Issues related to the redressal of citizens' grievances.

This topic can prove to be quite useful for aspirants preparing for the IAS Exam .

The Commission presented a total of 20 Reports. These reports included 537 key recommendations. Based on the inputs from various administrative Ministries, a report indicating the implementation position was presented in Parliament in November 1977. Some of the recommendations of the first ARC that are pertinent to this Report are highlighted below:

1. The necessity for specialization: The first ARC acknowledged the need for specialization due to the diversified functions of the Government. A method of selection for senior management posts in functional areas and outside functional areas was proposed.
2. A unified grading structure: A grading structure that is unified and based on qualifications as well as the nature of duties and responsibilities was proposed.
3. Recruitment procedures: On this topic, the ARC suggested:
   • A single competitive examination for the Class I services, with an increased age limit of 26 years.
   • The introduction of lateral entry to technical posts at senior levels.
   • The discontinuation of direct recruitment to Class II services.
   • A straightforward objective type test for the recruitment of clerical staff.
   • Recruitment to Central Government posts in certain sectors to be made from among the State Government employees.
4. Recruitment Agencies: A new procedure for the appointment of members of the UPSC and the State Public Service Commission was proposed. Additionally, the establishment of Recruitment Boards for the selection of clerical staff was recommended.
5. Training: It was suggested to devise a national policy on Civil Service Training.
6. Promotions: Detailed guidelines for promotion were provided.
7. Conduct and Discipline: Reforms in disciplinary inquiry proceedings and the establishment of Civil Service Tribunals were suggested.
8. Service Conditions: The Commission also provided recommendations on matters related to overtime allowances, voluntary retirement, exit mechanism, the quantum of pension, government holidays, incentives and awards for timely completion of projects, and establishing work norms for various posts that may be reviewed by the Staff Inspection Unit.

Aspirants can refer to the detailed Administrative Reforms Commission Report – ARC Report on the given link for more information.

Candidates may also find the following articles helpful for UPSC IAS exam preparation: