Foundation Course

• It is the initial phase of training where the candidates selected in CSE train together for the first 15 weeks before embarking on their service-specific professional training.
• Some of the following objectives supposed to be achieved:

⇒ Need to develop ‘esprit de corps’ within the different categories of officers.

⇒ Fostering the attitudes and values that every civil servant should possess, and

⇒ Imparting a basic understanding of the environment and the machinery of the government.

• The FC consists of a variety of activities, including academic elements such as public administration, law, and political science, as well as extracurricular activities such as trekking, village visits, and interactions with probationers.

Suggestion in the PMO Proposal:

• The PMO has sought suggestions regarding whether the performance of the selected candidates in the FC could be taken as a parameter for allocation of service and cadres.
• The proposal has only been forwarded as a suggestion and nothing new has been implemented as of now.

Perceived Benefits of the PMO Proposal

• Offering the Foundation Course as part of the overall evaluation of the applicant will aid in identifying the best candidates for the job.
• After completing the Foundation Course, probationers will be able to properly balance their ambition to their aptitude, allowing them to make better decisions.
• Also, the nearly 25-minute interview presently is not sufficient to judge the calibre of the candidates, while a 15-week extensive training period will highlight their true capability.

Apprehensions of the PMO Proposal:

• Some commentators have opined that it would lead to a culture of ‘favouritism’ to select candidates in line with the view of the government.
• Also, tough competition at the FC would be a roadblock in establishing the ‘esprit de corps’ among the civil servants.
• Concerns have also been raised regarding the possibility of discrimination against the poor and backward class’s students.
• Some have also seen it as undermining the role of the UPSC and interference in the functioning of this constitutionally established body.

View of Various Committees on the Foundation Course:

• Kothari Committee:

⇒ It submitted its report in 1976 which suggested a ‘Post-Training Test’ at the end of the Foundation Course, including an interview by a Board constituted by the UPSC.

⇒ It was proposed that the result of this test, combined with the result of written examinations and interview for CSE would determine the ranking and therefore, allocation of services.

⇒ The government did not accept the recommendation regarding the allocation of services after the Foundation Course.

• Alagh Committee:

⇒ It proposed that the selected candidates may be required to exercise their service preferences only on the completion of the Foundation Course.

⇒ However, it asserted that the allocation would continue to be on the basis of the original merit list prepared by the UPSC.

Observation:

• The suggestion for the changes in policy has certainly caused a stir and there is a lack of comprehensive acceptance for the proposal as of now.
• The cadre controlling authorities collectively have to look upon the feasibility of the implementation of the suggestion.
• Training forms an important part of making a civil servant, any policy change should take care of not leading to dilution of the process.