THE GOVERNMENT'S gingerly moves to insulate the bureaucracy from political interference have found firmer footing. On the anvil is a Central Public Services Authority (CPSA) with a mandate to nurse and navigate an ailing babudom.
The CPSA is integral to the proposed Public Services Bill that will provide a statutory basis for regulating civil service in India.
It has crossed the first hurdle -- a committee headed by Cabinet Secretary B.K. Chaturvedi recently approved the draft that will be sent to the Union Cabinet.
The CPSA will have a say in all matters concerning "organisation, control, operation and management" of public services and public servants. This means, an official explained, a CPSA finger in every bureaucratic pie -- be it laying down policies, drafting rules or inquiring into grievance mechanisms for members of central and All India Services.
{{/usCountry}}The CPSA will have a say in all matters concerning "organisation, control, operation and management" of public services and public servants. This means, an official explained, a CPSA finger in every bureaucratic pie -- be it laying down policies, drafting rules or inquiring into grievance mechanisms for members of central and All India Services.
{{/usCountry}}The official said the government would have the right to differ, but not without a cogent public explanation. A panel comprising the PM, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and a nominee of the Chief Justice of India will decide appointments to the Authority (maximum five members).
The draft Bill disqualifies MPs or office-bearer of a political party from making it to the CPSA.