Evolution of bureaucracy since independence

♤ Nation Building: After independence, bureaucracy set out to implement agenda of its political masters. It included commitment to democratic socialism, secularism and non- alignment.

♤ Democratization of Bureaucracy: After the 1967 assembly elections, civil services got major fillip with increased representation of backward castes. Later representation was given impetus post Mandal commission recommendations. Experts argue that it led to democratization of the bureaucracy.

♤ Committed Bureaucracy: This idea emerged in 1970s and 80s. The idea most fundamentally, entailed that a bureaucrat should be hundred percent committed to the policies and programmes of the political party in power. By extension, this also implied full commitment to the individual politicians holding power. A bureaucrat was not to be guided by any other consideration.

♤ License permit Raj: Due to socialist model of development, license was needed to start any business –small or big. The discretionary power rested with bureaucracy who could give license against favors granted by the concerned businessman.

♤ Globalization: It marked the watershed era for Indian bureaucracy. By liberalization of the economy is meant freeing a national economy from governmental control and letting it run as per the market forces