The very best of civil servants – assuming that those who reach the top are the best –acquire a ‘”palimpsest identity composed of a series of snap shots painted one over the other.” It comes in handy in passing the loyalty test of mutually hostile regimes and speeds up their upward journey. By reaching the top they become doubly blessed. The ripe old age of 60 opens for them the opportunities for the various sine cure assignments, carrying huge responsibilities and countervailing powers, privileges and immunities. In some measure on their efficient and impartial functioning depends the strength of our democracy. Montaigne who died at the relatively young age of 59 felt that, “aging diminishes us each day in a way that, when death finally arrives, it takes away only a quarter or half the man.” At sixty the ravages of time and the effects of fighting many a succession battles reduces the successful civil servant to one quarter of a man and three quarters of moral vacuum. His outward appearance however is closer to Levi Strauss’s description who felt like a ‘shattered hologram’ that had lost its unity but still retained an image of the whole self. Rendered intellectually supple and morally maneuverable, he is a handful of putty in the hands of governments which appoints them. The political class is in a win win situation .On paper they can boast of the most progressive and forward looking oversight agencies. ...(contd.)
The very best of civil servants – assuming that those who reach the top are the best –acquire a ‘”palimpsest identity composed of a series of snap shots painted one over the other.” It comes in handy in passing the loyalty test of mutually hostile regimes and speeds up their upward journey. By reaching the top they become doubly blessed. The ripe old age of 60 opens for them the opportunities for the various sine cure assignments, carrying huge responsibilities and countervailing powers, privileges and immunities. In some measure on their efficient and impartial functioning depends the strength of our democracy. Montaigne who died at the relatively young age of 59 felt that, “aging diminishes us each day in a way that, when death finally arrives, it takes away only a quarter or half the man.” At sixty the ravages of time and the effects of fighting many a succession battles reduces the successful civil servant to one quarter of a man and three quarters of moral vacuum. His outward appearance however is closer to Levi Strauss’s description who felt like a ‘shattered hologram’ that had lost its unity but still retained an image of the whole self. Rendered intellectually supple and morally maneuverable, he is a handful of putty in the hands of governments which appoints them. The political class is in a win win situation .On paper they can boast of the most progressive and forward looking oversight agencies. ...(contd.)
Mihir Sharma’s article is both naïve and quite dated .The country by now knows that it cannot shut down the IAS. They are way too powerful, and far too well organised for any government to undertake this expedition. More likely they will shut down the government. It is by now customary for every incumbent ruler to express his solemn desire to put some sort of shackles on them after they have taken oath of office. But in less than no time they are house trained .It would be more worthwhile and less self-indulgent if we set ourselves a more modest but achievable goal to stem the burgeoning population of superannuated civil servants from occupying all the key posts in institutions that are springing up every day supposedly to bolster democratic framework or to ensure a better regulatory frame work. For the last several decades ambitious political leaders have sought to create fiercely loyal battalions of bureaucratic palace guards who, if they pass the loyalty test, are exempted from every other. The idea of the neutrality of civil service has long since been jettisoned in practice and the civil servant and political masters often show the internal cohesion of predatory gangs. Remember the cheeky coal secretary who dared the CBI by flaunting that his decision had the sanction of the then PM Mr. Manmohan Singh. A gang stays together or else its members are hanged separately! The very best of civil servants – assuming that those who reach the top are the best R
Re: Let us set a reasonable goal to contain the IAS
by manoje nath on Jun 14, 2015 05:49 PM
–acquire a ‘”palimpsest identity composed of a series of snap shots painted one over the other.” It comes in handy in passing the loyalty test of mutually hostile regimes and speeds up their upward journey. By reaching the top they become doubly blessed. The ripe old age of 60 opens for them the opportunities for the various sine cure assignments, carrying huge responsibilities and countervailing powers, privileges and immunities. In some measure on their efficient and impartial functioning depends the strength of our democracy. Montaigne who died at the relatively young age of 59 felt that, “aging diminishes us each day in a way that, when death finally arrives, it takes away only a quarter or half the man.” At sixty the ravages of time and the effects of fighting many a succession battles reduces the successful civil servant to one quarter of a man and three quarters of moral vacuum. His outward appearance however is closer to Levi Strauss’s description who felt like a ‘shattered hologram’ that had lost its unity but still retained an image of the whole self. Rendered intellectually supple and morally maneuverable, he is a handful of putty in the hands of governments which appoints them. The political class is in a win win situation .On paper they can boast of the most progressive and forward looking oversight agencies. Central Vigilance Commission, Information Commission etc which are tools of empowerment for the people
Excellent article, which is a known fact for quite some years, which was not focussed upon.
Equally true is the fact that elected MP-s, who are not even able to spend the allotted funds , and one wonders what / whom for they exist?
Accountability is one rare commodity,in indian context and important thing is somehow, by hook or by crook , get on to the position and forgetfully enjoy for life, is the true story which was happening since india became of its own in 1947.
Lack of accountability is simply awefull, and craving for and sticking on to personal benefits not only self but also the entire family and parivar is laughable when they just dont deserve it.
Imagining of kamaraj,rajaji,and to certain extent anna, seems to be like a dream. Have they failed to streamline the system ? or just it is so? and tamilnadu seems to be well educated state.
Many corporates ran without the central services , proved themselves very efficient, foremost being the mammoth L&T, many more to mention.
But the villages of the nation suppose to be the backbones of the nation ( M.K.GANDHI), goes without drinking water/sanitation/infra etc\'.
But the civil services enriched themselves beyond ones imagination, and sometimes aweful ,only of very late they are made to answer and by and large they are free.
Can\'t blame the IPS, IFS ( both) and they were able to do some meaningful developmental activities in their fields.
But the IAS is one service deserves to be rejected in lock stock
Excellent article, which is a known fact for quite some years, which was not focussed upon.
Equally true is the fact that elected MP-s, who are not even able to spend the allotted funds , and one wonders what / whom for they exist?
Accountability is one rare commodity,in indian context and important thing is somehow, by hook or by crook , get on to the position and forgetfully enjoy for life, is the true story which was happening since india became of its own in 1947.
Lack of accountability is simply awefull, and craving for and sticking on to personal benefits not only self but also the entire family and parivar is laughable when they just dont deserve it.
Imagining of kamaraj,rajaji,and to certain extent anna, seems to be like a dream. Have they failed to streamline the system ? or just it is so? and tamilnadu seems to be well educated state.
Many corporates ran without the central services , proved themselves very efficient, foremost being the mammoth L&T, many more to mention.
But the villages of the nation suppose to be the backbones of the nation ( M.K.GANDHI), goes without drinking water/sanitation/infra etc'.
But the civil services enriched themselves beyond ones imagination, and sometimes aweful ,only of very late they are made to answer and by and large they are free.
Can't blame the IPS, IFS ( both) and they were able to do some meaningful developmental activities in their fields.
But the IAS is one service deserves to be rejected in lock stock and
