Answer: The term "politicization of civil services" refers to the process where administrative and bureaucratic institutions, including civil services, become influenced by political considerations and partisan agendas. Instead of maintaining a neutral and impartial stance, civil servants and bureaucratic institutions may be subjected to political pressure, interference, or manipulation, compromising their ability to function independently and serve the public interest. 

Consequences of the Politicization of Civil Services:

• Loss of Neutrality and Impartiality: When civil servants are influenced by political affiliations, their neutrality is compromised, leading to unequal treatment and potential favoritism.
• Decline in Meritocracy: The politicization of civil services can undermine the recruitment and promotion based on merit and qualifications.
• Weakened Accountability: Politicization can weaken the accountability of civil servants. When their loyalty is perceived to lie with political figures or parties, they might prioritize political interests over public welfare, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability in decision-making.
• Erosion of Public Trust: When civil services are perceived as being politically aligned rather than serving the public interest, public trust in government institutions can erode.
• Inefficient Policy Implementation: Politicization can lead to inconsistencies in policy implementation and hinder effective governance. Policies may change with shifts in political power, disrupting continuity and long-term planning.
• Interference in Decision-Making: Civil servants might face pressure to align their decisions with the political agenda, even if it contradicts evidence-based or expert opinions. This can lead to compromised policy outcomes and reduced effectiveness.
• Destruction of Democratic values.
• Deterioration of Bureaucratic capacity.
• Partisan Bureaucracy (Nexus between Babu and Neta)

Measures to minimize the politicization:

• Secure independence of civil servants
  • Merit-based and transparent recruitment, promotion, and postings in key positions.
  • Transparent transfer policies with detailed guidelines would reduce the arbitrariness of transfers.
    • It was suggested by the 5th Pay Commission.
  • Strengthening ethics and values through sensitivity training and enforcing Code of Ethics for civil servants
  • Protection of
  • Strengthening of “Institutions of Internal Accountability” like CVC and CBI to investigate corruption cases and political interferences.
  • Bringing objectivity to the relationship between politicians and bureaucrats would lead to clarity and standardization in governance.
    • For example: Output-Outcome Framework (2^nd ARC Report), in which political executives specify the task for the civil servant to deliver for a desired social outcome.
  • Ensuring administrative continuity would boost the confidence of civil servants in taking decisions in the public interest without fear of transfers.
  • For example: Fixing a minimum tenure for each posting (5^th Pay Commission).
  • Constituting a Central Public Services Authority for good governance with mandatory provisions with respect to maintaining the autonomy of the services.
  • It was suggested under the Draft Public Services Bill, 2007.

Addressing the issue of politicization of civil service and promoting professionalism in the bureaucracy are crucial for India's future development. By drawing upon the experiences of Scandinavian countries, India can work towards building strong, independent, and effective civil services that serve the needs of its citizens.