Is the Central Secretariat Service Facing a Crisis? Insights from Recent Developments
The Central Secretariat Service: A System in Distress
The Central Secretariat Service (CSS) may not be the most visible aspect of the government, but it functions as its essential nervous system. Currently, it appears to be experiencing significant dysfunction. For years, the CSS Forum has been advocating for fundamental administrative practices, such as timely cadre reviews, equitable promotions, and equal standing with other central services. Unfortunately, the fourth cadre review, which was expected in 2018, remains mired in bureaucratic delays, despite the formation of a committee nearly two years ago.
What we are witnessing is a seven-year delay in what should have been a standard five-year review process. Promotions have come to a standstill, with Under Secretaries who should have advanced after five years now waiting over twelve. Additionally, Assistant Section Officers from the 2014 batch have yet to receive any promotions. This situation reflects a troubling level of systemic neglect.
This issue extends beyond mere morale; ministries and departments are grappling with a significant shortfall. Right to Information (RTI) responses indicate a need for 2,500 additional CSS officers across just 24 departments. Such shortages have tangible effects on governance, operational efficiency, and the delivery of public services. Compounding the issue is the fact that other services manage to complete their cadre reviews in less than a year. This raises questions among CSS personnel about whether they are being deliberately overlooked.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a responsive and efficient government requires support. The Digital India initiative cannot thrive with outdated human resource processes. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which is ironically tasked with personnel policy, must ensure that CSS officers receive the same respect as their counterparts in other civil services. CSS is not seeking special treatment, merely fairness. It is crucial to address these concerns before the entire system comes to a halt.
Vice President's Sudden Exit Raises Questions
Vice President out, staff out faster
The abrupt resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, officially attributed to health issues, has sparked speculation about the underlying implications.
Even before the news of his departure was fully processed, reports emerged that members of his secretariat, including officers on temporary assignments, were hastily returning to their original posts. This lack of transition time and abruptness is particularly concerning for a position of such significance.
Typically, when a high-ranking constitutional official resigns mid-term, the system allows for a dignified pause and ensures a smooth transition. However, this time, the message was clear: not only was Dhankhar gone, but so were his staff members, and quickly.
This kind of administrative maneuvering suggests that Dhankhar's resignation may not have been entirely voluntary, as the official narrative implies. Coupled with the silence from the ruling party, this situation bears the hallmarks of a discreet purge. The bureaucratic community often communicates through its paperwork, and the documents this time seem to indicate a vengeful shift.
Bureaucrats Turn Podcasters: A New Trend
When babus get candid on podcasts
In a surprising turn, bureaucrats are now entering the podcasting arena, sharing stories that were once confined to the walls of their offices. A surge of state-run or insider-led podcasts features police officers and bureaucrats recounting their experiences.
For instance, Uttar Pradesh Police’s podcast, “Beyond the Badge,” presents a polished narrative of significant insurance fraud cases and the journeys of UPSC toppers, narrated by the officers themselves. It combines storytelling with technical forensic insights. Similarly, Haryana’s HSNCB chief has launched a series detailing drug enforcement operations, covering issues from pharmacy misuse to interstate smuggling.
While these initiatives may serve public interest and promote transparency to some extent, they also reflect an effort to shape public perception. The underlying message seems to be that a new, modern bureaucratic image is emerging, complete with jargon and dramatic storytelling.
This trend aligns with the growing popularity of podcasts in India, where brands and public figures are leveraging this medium for visibility. The involvement of bureaucrats in this space is particularly intriguing, as it humanizes the often opaque bureaucratic processes while also suggesting a desire for a more relatable image.
However, not everyone is convinced. Many on platforms like Reddit have raised concerns about whether civil servants, who are expected to maintain a low profile, should be engaging as social media influencers. As bureaucrats begin to share their narratives and polish their public personas, reactions have ranged from skepticism to outright criticism. For those in the civil service seeking credibility, the true test lies not in storytelling but in transparent and effective governance.
Conclusion
By Dilip Cherian