former-rbi-governor-subbarao-calls-for-reinventing-india-s-civil-services

Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Duvvuri Subbarao has advocated for a thorough overhaul of India's civil services, likening the existing system to a "rusted steel frame" introduced during British colonial rule.

In his latest book titled 'Just A Mercenary?: Notes from My Life and Career,' Subbarao highlights concerns over the gender gap within the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and stresses the need for comprehensive reforms.

"The steel frame has certainly rusted," Subbarao remarked in an interview with PTI.

He emphasised the significance of the IAS in India's governance landscape, acknowledging its pivotal role in nation-building since independence. However, Subbarao lamented the erosion of the service's founding principles over the years.

"While IAS officers once exemplified competence, commitment, and integrity, the service has veered off course, plagued by ineptitude, indifference, and corruption," he remarked.

Subbarao criticised recent directives from the Modi government urging civil servants to highlight its achievements, arguing that such actions undermine the principle of political neutrality enshrined in the civil service code of conduct.

"Political neutrality is a fundamental tenet of the civil service code of conduct," he asserted, cautioning against the blurring of lines between government propaganda and legitimate policy promotion.

Regarding the post-retirement political aspirations of public officials, Subbarao stressed the importance of maintaining integrity and impartiality.

"While joining politics is a democratic right, there's a risk that officials may compromise their integrity for political gain," he warned, proposing a cooling-off period of three years post-retirement before pursuing political office.

Subbarao drew parallels with the Catholic Church's practice of imposing a waiting period before canonization, suggesting a similar approach to safeguarding the integrity of public officials.