India’s governance stands at a defining moment. The civil services, once hailed as the steel frame of a new nation, were established to shape the nation’s progress with integrity and dedication. Over the decades, however, political influence, administrative inefficiencies and growing disconnect from public service, have strained the system and its ability to truly serve the people. As India advances, reforming its administrative framework is more urgent than ever. In the early 1950s, integrity and probity in public duty defined India’s civil servants. Consider two poignant examples:

* A district judge’s children in Uttar Pradesh walked six kilometers to school every day, despite having access to an official vehicle.

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* A district magistrate’s daughters commuted by horse cart (Ekka), braving the same arduous journey daily. These instances epitomized a self-imposed standard of hu – mility and probity ~ a sharp contrast to today’s reality.

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Now, bureaucrats are swathed in armed security, travel in luxury convoys, and remain ensconced behind layers of privilege and power. What was once the backbone of development has morphed into a relic of colonial-era feudalism, where officials, shielded by political alliances, control every sector ~ from industry and agriculture to defense ~ without genuine accountability? The lack of accountability that now infects our bureaucracy isn’t merely frustrating; it is often fatal. Recent disasters illustrate this grim truth: * Mahakumbh 2025 Disaster: Poor crowd control, mismanagement, and weak safety measures led to chaotic scenes and significant loss of life.

* Mumbai Billboard Collapse 2024: Neglected safety protocols and corrupt approvals resulted in over two dozen deaths.

* Delhi Airport Terminal Roof Collapse 2024: Lapses in infrastructure oversight caused catastrophic failure. Each event follows a pattern ~ bureaucratic immunity shields officials from accountability, public outrage fades, and systemic inertia prevents change. The decay in governance is not confined to a single branch ~ it is deeply systemic.

From the IAS to allied agencies controlling industrial development authorities and city corporations, bureaucratic inefficiency, privilege, and political interference have eroded public trust. Despite the presence of elite officers with large support teams, our cities continue........

© The Statesman