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Definition:
Politicization of bureaucracy in India refers to the influence of political interests and pressures on the functioning and decisions of civil servants.
In simple terms, instead of serving the public and sticking to the rules, some bureaucrats might favor political leaders or parties.
Impact:
Loss of Neutrality: Bureaucrats are supposed to be neutral. When they favor a political group, they might not treat everyone equally.
Inefficiency: Decision-making can be based on what’s politically beneficial rather than what’s good for the public. This can slow things down and lead to poor choices.
Loss of Public Trust: People might feel that bureaucrats aren’t working for their benefit but for political gains. This can make people lose faith in the system.
Corruption: Mixing politics and bureaucracy can sometimes lead to corrupt practices, where power and money change hands improperly.
Hampers Long-Term Development: Political interests can be short-sighted. If bureaucrats cater to these, the country’s long-term growth might suffer.
Ways to Address This:
Stronger Oversight: Have independent agencies that can monitor and check the actions of bureaucrats. These agencies should ensure that rules are being followed.
Transparent Processes: If people can see how decisions are made, it’s harder for politics to unduly influence the process. Open and clear methods are key.
Training and Awareness: Bureaucrats should be trained to understand the importance of neutrality and the dangers of political influence.
Protection for Whistleblowers: People who speak out against wrong practices should be protected so they aren’t afraid to come forward.
Merit-based Appointments: Instead of positions being filled due to political connections, they should be based on skill and capability.
Regular Rotation of Officers: Moving bureaucrats to new posts regularly can help prevent them from developing too close ties with local political figures.
Why In News:
Recently central government appointed “District Rath Prabhari” for ‘yatra’ to highlight achievement of the government in view of upcoming elections. This has led to opposition leaders alleging ‘politicisation of bureaucracy’.
