vp-dhankhar-calls-for-firm-decisions-in-public-service-commissions

The Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, recently made several important remarks regarding the functioning of public service commissions, political harmony, and the challenges that the country faces, during his inaugural address at the 25th National Conference of Chairpersons of All State Public Service Commissions in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

 

His speech focused on various pressing issues affecting governance, societal unity, and institutional integrity.

 

One of the key points raised by VP Dhankhar was the issue of extensions in service. He explained that granting extensions to individuals holding a particular post undermines the principle of expectation. 

 

Political divisiveness and a vitiated political climate are far more dangerous than climate change. If bureaucracy gets ingratiated with the dispensation or emasculated, the nation pays a huge price.

Our polity is too divisive and polarised. Interaction is missing at the premium… pic.twitter.com/D6wBXusTNE

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 11, 2025

 

According to him, when someone is granted an extension, it diminishes the opportunities for those who have been working hard for years, waiting for their turn.

 

He emphasised that the idea of indispensability is a myth and that India has an abundance of talent, so no one should be considered irreplaceable. He called on public service commissions at both the state and central levels to remain firm in such situations and ensure that decisions are made based on merit.

 

The Vice-President also expressed his concerns about the growing influence of patronage and favouritism in appointments within public service commissions.

 

Extensions in service indicates that some individual is indispensable. Indispensability is a myth. Talent abounds in this country. No one is indispensable.

Extensions in service, extensions in any form for a particular post are setback to those who are in line. It defies the… pic.twitter.com/Xcukf5RILe

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 11, 2025

 

He stressed that such practices, driven by ideological or personal affiliations, go against the very spirit of the Constitution.

 

VP Dhankhar pointed out that these trends are deeply troubling and that public service commissions should uphold their independence and act according to the principles of fairness and impartiality.

 

Another major issue highlighted by VP Dhankhar was post-retirement appointments. He pointed out that in some states, employees, particularly those in premium services, continue to hold positions through various ad-hoc nomenclatures, even after retirement. 

 

This practice, he argued, goes against the vision of the framers of the Constitution. He stressed that public servants should retire in accordance with the law and that such post-retirement assignments undermine the democratic process.

 

When advice is tendered by Public Service Commissions on discipline, decorum, and demeanor, and it is reversed by the executive, you must brainstorm. Reversal of your advice is a serious matter. If you’ve gone wrong, correct it.

If rational and well-meaning advice is reversed,… pic.twitter.com/9r0qauVDYh

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 11, 2025

 

VP Dhankhar also addressed the growing problem of paper leaks, which he described as a menace. He stated that the fairness of the selection process becomes meaningless if paper leaks are allowed to persist. 

 

He remarked that paper leakage has become an industry, and it instils fear not only regarding the examination but also regarding the integrity of the process.

 

He expressed concern for the students who, after months of preparation, have to face the setback of a paper leak, further eroding trust in the system.

 

VP Dhankhar also highlighted the divisiveness and polarisation in the country’s political landscape. He noted that the current political climate is highly fragmented, with minimal interaction between different political groups. 

 

 

The fairness of selection has no meaning if paper leakages occur. Paper leakage has become an industry, a form of commerce. This is a menace that must be curbed.

I strongly commend the initiative the government has taken with respect to the Public Examinations (Prevention of… pic.twitter.com/OyTWqlph64

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 11, 2025

 

In such a divided atmosphere, he stressed that India’s potential as a global leader cannot be fully realised. 

 

He called for political ‘fire extinguishers’—individuals who can mitigate political conflicts and foster harmony. Shri Dhankhar emphasised that political harmony is not just desirable but imperative for the nation’s progress.

 

A divided polity, he warned, would only hinder India’s growth and its ability to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.

 

The Vice-President’s comments on institutional integrity were also significant. He pointed out that the weakening of institutions harms the entire nation, just as any injury to the body affects the whole being.

 

Appointments to public service commissions cannot be driven by patronage or favoritism.

A public service commission chairman or member cannot be wedded to a particular ideology or individual.

Such practices would undermine the essence and spirit of the framework of the… pic.twitter.com/SXleBSS8Ub

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 11, 2025

 

VP Dhankhar called for strengthening institutions, stressing that the states and the Union must work together in a synergetic manner to ensure the nation’s progress. He argued that institutional strength is crucial for India to thrive and for the successful implementation of its policies.

 

VP Dhankhar further urged political leaders to engage in dialogue and consensus-building. He stressed that the nation cannot afford to leave critical issues unresolved. The problems facing the country, he argued, must be addressed urgently rather than being relegated to the background.

 

He appealed to senior leaders of all political parties to foster a climate of discussion and deliberation, highlighting that the civilisational ethos of India has always been rooted in dialogue and consensus.

 

On the role of intellectuals, VP Dhankhar expressed concern over their increasing alignment with political interests. He observed that intellectuals, who are supposed to provide guidance and help extinguish social disharmony, are often forming groups to further their personal or political agendas.

 

Post-retirement recruitment is a problem. In some states, it has been structured such that employees never truly retire, particularly those in premium services. They receive multiple ad hoc designations.

Everyone in the country must receive their due, as defined by law. The… pic.twitter.com/uYhEvT2y12

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 11, 2025

 

He emphasised that intellectuals, former bureaucrats, and diplomats must remain objective and uphold their principles, rather than aligning themselves with political shifts for personal gain.

 

VP Dhankhar's address was attended by several dignitaries, including the Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, the Chairman of the UPSC, Smt. Preeti Sudan, and other key officials.

The Vice-President’s speech touched on several crucial issues that need immediate attention, urging political leaders, intellectuals, and public service officials to work together to strengthen the nation’s governance, institutions, and political climate.