Sanjay Kharoo
sanjay_kharoo@rediffmail.com
In India, few achievements receive as much public admiration as clearing the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination. Every year, when the results are declared, successful candidates are celebrated across the country like celebrities. Newspapers publish their photographs, television channels interview them repeatedly, coaching institutes advertise them as their “products,” and society treats them as if they have accomplished something almost supernatural.
Undoubtedly, clearing this examination is an extraordinary academic and intellectual achievement. It demands years of dedication, discipline, and perseverance. However, the manner in which Indian society glorifies successful candidates often goes far beyond recognition of hard work. It sometimes creates an exaggerated aura around them-an aura that unintentionally reinforces the perception that civil servants are a special class above ordinary citizens.
This “celebrity culture” surrounding civil service aspirants begins even before they enter service. Coaching institutes turn toppers into public icons. Social media amplifies their stories. Families and communities celebrate them as symbols of prestige. In many places, they are welcomed with garlands, felicitations, and public receptions as if they have already delivered remarkable service to the nation. In reality, they have only cleared an examination-an important milestone, but only the beginning of their journey.
The real test of a civil servant begins after joining service. Institutions like the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and Indian Foreign Service were designed to serve the public and uphold constitutional values. These services carry immense responsibility because civil servants make decisions that affect millions of citizens. Their role is to implement policies fairly, maintain administrative integrity, and ensure that governance reaches even the most marginalized.
Yet, the reality often falls short of this ideal. In many cases, the system becomes vulnerable to corruption, misuse of power, and administrative arrogance. Some officers, once inside the system, become more concerned about privileges, power, and influence than about public service. Government bungalows, official vehicles, security details, and numerous other facilities can create a lifestyle far removed from that of ordinary citizens. When these privileges are combined with weak accountability mechanisms, the temptation to misuse authority becomes stronger.
Another issue is the concentration of power. Civil servants often exercise wide discretionary authority in administration, licensing, land matters, public procurement, and law enforcement. Without strong transparency and accountability systems, such authority can easily be abused. Corruption, favoritism, and misuse of public resources become possibilities when checks and balances are weak.
The social narrative surrounding civil servants also contributes to this problem. When society repeatedly treats them as extraordinary figures, it may unconsciously reinforce a sense of superiority. Some officers begin to see themselves as a privileged class rather than as public servants. This mindset creates a psychological distance between administrators and the very people they are meant to serve-the aam aadmi.
However, it would be unfair and inaccurate to paint all civil servants with the same brush. India has also produced many courageous, compassionate, and dedicated officers who work tirelessly for public welfare. These officers fight corruption, implement transformative policies, and bring real change to communities. Often, they do so quietly and without the public recognition they deserve. It is largely because of such sincere individuals that the administrative system continues to function despite its flaws.
The challenge, therefore, is not the existence of civil services themselves but the culture surrounding them. Excessive privileges, lack of transparency, weak accountability mechanisms, and exaggerated social glorification together create an unhealthy ecosystem. Reforming this ecosystem requires both institutional and societal changes.
First, administrative systems must strengthen accountability. Transparent decision-making, digital governance, independent oversight bodies, and strong anti-corruption mechanisms can reduce the misuse of power. Second, privileges and perks associated with public office should be rationalized so that they support efficient work rather than create a class divide between officials and citizens. Equally important is a shift in social attitude. Society must celebrate integrity and service rather than merely exam success. Clearing a difficult examination is admirable, but it should not automatically confer hero status. The true measure of a civil servant should be their performance in office-the policies they implement, the justice they uphold, and the lives they improve.
Civil servants are not a separate species; they are public employees entrusted with responsibility. Recognizing them as professionals rather than celebrities may help cultivate humility and accountability within the system. When administrators remain grounded and connected to the people they serve, governance becomes more responsive and humane. Ultimately, the strength of a democracy lies not in the glorification of individuals but in the integrity of its institutions. India’s civil services can continue to play a crucial role in nation-building-but only when service, not status, becomes the defining principle of public administration.
( The author is a former Joint Director ,JKDST in the JK Govt.)
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