“How far is it true to blame politicians for all the mess in the country? They have their share but the 5 Cs (CVC, CBI, CAG, courts and CIC) are the biggest inhibitors to decision-making. These “august” institutions are manned by non-politicians (civil servants). Time to introspect?” read the tweet of former civil servant Anil Swarup.

It indeed is time for introspection what was once termed as the country’s elite services, particularly the Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service.

What is it that is stopping these officers from showing spine? Why are they constrained? Why does everyone talk about only red tapism? There is no dearth of intellect, so why are decision-makers being seen as indecisive?

The answer doesn’t lie in any rules or laws, but within the officers themselves. The fear of being kicked around, being denied promotions, or being punished post retirement — as has been the case in the coal scam — seems to be coming in way of their challenging the politicians.

No wonder then most of the politicians joke, saying the “worst enemies of civil servants are civil servants themselves. We don’t need to do a thing.” A case in point is the latest “CBI versus CBI” war.

The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, lay out norms for the code of conduct of an officer, including his/her political involvement. The rules state that it is essential that government servants maintain political neutrality.

But, the reality seems different. On the face of it officers do not show political allegiances, but inferences are always drawn, especially when they hold key positions.

“If the civil servants allow the politicians to ‘use’ them, there is a high probability that they (politicians) will “abuse” them. The choice rests with the civil servant,” Swarup tweeted.

The service today needs to introspect and revisit the conduct rules, so that there is no “intellectual dishonesty”.

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