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HISTORY The creators of the system adopted the outline of the Indian Civil Service , which administered British India , but modified it to fit the needs of the newly created nation. After an extensive debate during the formation of the Constitution , the system was incorporated into the inner core of the Government Of India . FUNCTION The officials of the IAS are involved in civil administration, policy making and managing conflicts - internal and external. They are selected from a large pool of educated individuals through an extensive and rigorous examination process that selects only the most intelligent, responsible and capable individuals in every field from Literature to Medicine . INDEPENDENCE The members of the IAS receive a Constitutional Guarantee to enable them to exercise executive powers without fear of prosecution. Sardar Patel , the first Home Minister of independent India and a strong proponent of the 'steel frame', proposed that the body should be able to speak out freely, without fear of persecution or financial insecurity as an essential element in unifying the nation. The independence of the IAS officers is ensured by a unique system of recruitment and posting. They are recruited by the Central government on the recommendation of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and posted under various State governments. While respective State Governments have control over them they can not censure or take disciplinary action against IAS officers without consulting the Central government and the UPSC. This aims at protecting IAS officers from being unduly influenced by State governments. Neutrality and Independence? The neutrality and independence of the IAS in early post independent India has gradually been eroded with the assertion of power by the political system. Over time there has been a general tendency of centralisation of power in the hands of ministers. Most routine matters like transfers and postings are handled by ministers. Officers have sometimes tired of speaking up and tend to go along with the tide. The frequency of transfers and postings based on political considerations and the insistence of the political masters to have their way has silenced many vocal and independent civil servants to silent obedience. DESIGNATIONS The officers of the IAS belong to various ranks, ranging from District Collectors in the states to the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. Their cadre, based on the state to which they are assigned, usually remains constant throughout their careers. They are frequently circulated amongst various departments and are promoted based on their seniority level as well as their managerial capacity and achievements based on their annual confidential reports. The officers enter the system after passing a multi-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission of India. They come from a wide spectrum of human endeavour ranging from literature to medicine. The structure of the examination selects only the top cream of the individuals in each field , ensuring that the system is fed with intelligent, responsible and capable officers. POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION The officers of the IAS play a crucial role in the policy making and implementation processes of virtually every division of the Government machinery. Their aloofness to the changing political scenario is a powerful way of ensuring that the policy changes have a smooth transition. The independence, nation-wide networking capability and relatively high level integrity of the system is a boon to the Government machinery which can run smoothly without coming to a standstill even during times of political turmoil. NOTORIOUS OFFICERS The IAS is not free from controversy as the case of a high flying IAS officer Gautam Goswami of the state of Bihar typifies what IAS officers can do and have done. He was widely seen as poster boy of the IAS, until investigations uncovered that he allegedly diverted taxpayer money to his private accounts. The Central Vigilance Commission of India keeps a list of disciplinary proceedings against IAS and other government officials at {Link without Title} . SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS |
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