UPSC Ethics Simplified | Is democracy and fair administration often in conflict?

India became a republic on January 26, 1950, replacing the Government of India Act of 1935. “We, the people of India,” were not just words in the Constitution but a declaration that the citizens of India are the core of this democracy. Dr. Rajendra Prasad poetically described this historic day:

India, by becoming a republic, has entered the world stage, free from pride and prejudice.

He envisioned how the country would shape its future.

To realize the dream of true democracy and bridge the gap between the people and their representatives, the bureaucracy was entrusted with this responsibility. Though colonial in origin, it was deeply Indian in ethos and spirit. This was independent India’s bureaucracy—an institution the common citizen looked up to and the nation held in the highest regard. A country now governed by its own people was confident in ensuring fair administration after years of slavery and exploitation.

Why is there a doubt? 

But a lot of times we encounter some incidents to believe that democracy and fair administration are opposite to each other. The stories of bureaucratic compromises, the image of police personnel in the eyes of the last man, and the larger than life profile value of bureaucrats, the power center of a democratic state, ultimately reaffirms the fact that both are somewhere opposite to each other. 

You often come across striking headlines in newspapers highlighting the public’s struggle to trust the bureaucracy. Multiple incidents reinforce the perception that democracy and fair administration are sometimes at odds.

Concerns about favoritism, cronyism, and opacity in governance continue to surface. Persistent issues in public administration include delays in justice and bureaucratic red tape, with high-profile cases dragging on for years due to inefficiencies. Corruption scandals, bureaucratic apathy during disasters, and undue political influence over decision-making further erode trust. Additionally, incidents such as extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, and police inaction in politically sensitive cases have raised serious concerns about fairness in administration.

From All India Services to State Civil Services and Similar Roles: The pillars of bureaucracy and enablers of true democracy

We know well that bureaucracy is the core of any public administration. Max Weber defined it as the only legal-rational authority to exercise the state’s legitimate power. The significance of bureaucracy becomes even more pronounced in India, the world’s largest functioning democracy with the largest population.

India’s large population demands effective public administration, and the Indian bureaucracy, responsible for delivering this service, consists of officers working under the Central and All India Civil Services and the State Civil Services. Among the Central and All India Services, the highest-ranking officers form the most elite group under the Central Government of India. This includes various service profiles such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), and others. Each of these services plays a specific role in India’s public administration.

Among them, the IAS occupies a unique role, as its officers are preferred for senior positions in government at both the state and central levels. IAS officers hold key positions and are responsible for framing and implementing public policies under the supervision of elected representatives.

A similar structure exists within the state-level bureaucracy. Officers of the State Civil Services are selected by individual states and work entirely under the state government. Like the central bureaucracy, the state bureaucracy comprises different services, such as the State Administrative Service (SAS), State Police Service, and State Revenue Service. Among them, the SAS, much like the IAS, occupies key positions within the state-level administration.

IAS and SAS officers play a crucial role in both central and state governments. They are entrusted with senior positions due to the breadth and depth of their experience—both in policy implementation and policymaking. Their decisions directly impact the quality of life of citizens, shaping the effectiveness of public policy across the country.

Similarly, a police officer, whether at the central or state level, must truly understand what it means to wear the uniform. It should not be seen as a symbol of fear for the very people it serves. The police is not a force; it is a service, just like the administrative services, which are often considered the first responders. They are among the first to arrive at emergency scenes and deliver their service in the most challenging situations.

It is a police officer who must look into the eyes of the aggrieved and provide assurance of relief and resolution. Therefore, they must be people-centric. The khaki should symbolize unimpeachable integrity in thoughts, words, and deeds. If a police officer possesses all other qualities but lacks integrity, they are bound to score a big zero in their professional life.

These examples hold true for other services as well—the pillars of bureaucracy and enablers of true democracy.

What better example than The Indian Express’ Excellence in Governance Award, which recognizes the efforts of bureaucrats who have served society impeccably. And it’s not just those who receive awards or recognition—many uphold ethics as a core value and give their best in service to the nation.

In the Covid times when everyone feared death, these brave officers set aside their personal lives, responsibilities and fears to serve the nation, with some even laying down their lives.

Bureaucrats: Ethical leaders and fair administration

Referred to as the steel frame of India by Sardar Patel, bureaucrats are responsible for implementing government policies and making decisions. This, in turn, demands a strong ethical mindset among civil servants.

Therefore, ethical decision-making has become increasingly important—not only in their interactions with citizens but also within their fraternity—because people place immense trust and faith in bureaucrats. As leaders in the bureaucratic hierarchy, Indian bureaucrats are expected to embody ethical leadership as a defining personality trait.

Ultimately, ethical leaders are considered honest, caring, and principled individuals who make balanced and fair decisions. Such ethical and conscious leadership can promote integrity within institutions. We must remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Every great institution is the lengthened shadow of a single man. His character determines the character of the organization.” Only then can fair administration and democracy go hand in hand.

Post Read Question:

“Every great institution is the lengthened shadow of a single man. His character determines the character of the organization.” Discuss in the light of role of bureaucrats as ethical leaders. 

Edited by Manas Srivastava

(The writer is the author of ‘Being Good and Aaiye, Insaan Banaen’, ‘Ethikos: Stories Searching Happiness’ and ‘Kyon’. He teaches courses on and offers training in ethics, values and behaviour. He has been the expert/consultant to UPSC, SAARC countries, Civil services Academy, National Centre for Good Governance, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), etc. He has PhD in two disciplines and has been a Doctoral Fellow in Gandhian Studies from ICSSR. His second PhD is from IIT Delhi on Ethical Decision Making among Indian Bureaucrats. He writes for the UPSC Ethics Simplified (concepts and caselets) fortnightly.)

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