EVOLUTION, CONCEPT, NEED, AND SIGNIFICANCE OF SERVICES UNDER THE STATE
CONCEPT OF PUBLIC SERVICES
The concept of public services, also referred to as government services or services under the state, plays a
crucial role in the functioning of any democratic country. In the Indian context, where the state holds a vital
position in governance, understanding the evolution and significance of services under the state is essential.
Public services refer to the body of government officials who are recruited in civil administration that are
neither political nor judicial.
EVOLUTION OF SERVICES UNDER THE STATE
❖ ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL ERA
The concept of public services was relatively informal and directly linked to the rule of the monarch or
governing authority. The services were personal to the ruler, and officials were appointed as a part of the
ruler's administrative apparatus.
➢ VEDIC PERIOD: Governance was based on dharma (duty). Kings ruled with help from local chiefs and
officials called “Karyakartas,” who handled law, order, and tax collection.
➢ MAURYA PERIOD: Under Emperor Ashoka, administration became more formal. Rajukas managed
districts, ensured justice, and collected revenue, laid the foundations for a more formalized administrative
system.
➢ GUPTA PERIOD: Had an organized structure for military, taxation, and welfare but still lacked a
professional bureaucracy.
MEDIEVAL INDIA (MUGHALS):
➢ Developed a complex and formal administrative system.
➢ Appointed ministers like Diwan (finance) and military officials like Subedars and Faujdars who managed
both civil and military roles.
❖ COLONIAL ERA
◆ EAST INDIA COMPANY PERIOD (1757–1857):
▪ Administration focused on British interests—mainly revenue and control.
▪ Introduced the term "Civil Servant" (1765).
▪ Lord Cornwallis: Father of Civil Services in India.
▪ Created two types: Covenanted (higher posts) and Uncovenanted (lower posts).
▪ Charter Act of 1853: Ended patronage, introduced open exams.
◆ BRITISH CROWN RULE:
▪ Post-1857 rebellion, India came under direct British rule.
▪ Indian Civil Service (ICS) became central to governance.
▪ Exams were conducted in London—very few Indians could qualify.
▪ Satyendranath Tagore: First Indian to join ICS in 1863.
▪ Aitchison Commission (1886–87): Suggested division into Imperial, Provincial, and Subordinate services.
❖ POST-INDEPENDENCE INDIA (1947 ONWARDS)
➢ India made significant reforms in public services to suit democratic governance.
➢ The Constitution of India became the base for all public administration.
➢ Provided for a federal system with division of powers between Centre and States.
➢ Article 309: Empowered Union and State Legislatures to regulate recruitment and service conditions.
➢ Union Public Service Commission (UPSC): Became the central body for recruiting civil servants through
open, merit-based exams.
➢ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Called the Father of Indian Civil Services in independent India, strongly
supported All India Services.
➢ Article 312: Allowed creation of All India Services like IAS, IPS, IFS.
➢ New services were introduced for modern governance needs.
➢ Recruitment became inclusive, promoting merit and representation.
❖ CONTEMPORARY PERIOD (POST-1990s ONWARDS)
➢ Focus on efficiency, transparency, citizen participation, and technology.
➢ Emphasis on good governance, accountability, and decentralization.
➢ Greater focus on efficiency, accountability, and technology in public service delivery.
➢ Increased emphasis on transparency, citizen engagement, and social justice.
KEY DIMENSIONS OF CIVIL SERVICES EVOLUTION
CENTRALIZATION VS. DECENTRALIZATION: Civil services evolved between strong central
control and local governance.
INDIANIZATION OF SERVICES: Marked shift from British to Indian control and representation.
ROLE IN NATION-BUILDING: Shifted from revenue collection to broader development and welfare
responsibilities.
❖ NEED FOR SERVICES UNDER THE STATE
1. GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION:
• Government services ensure smooth functioning of state machinery.
• Help implement policies, maintain order, and regulate society.
2. PUBLIC WELFARE:
• Government services deliver essential welfare schemes related to health, education, housing, and social services
in a welfare state.
3. RULE OF LAW:
• Police, courts and judicial services uphold justice, law, and protect rights of citizens.
4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
• Key departments handle resources, budgeting, and development planning.
5. REPRESENTATION AND INCLUSIVITY:
• Public services Ensure that governance includes all communities and reflects societal diversity.
6. NATIONAL SECURITY:
• Services like military, police and intelligence protect against internal and external threats.
SIGNIFICANCE OF SERVICES UNDER THE STATE
EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION:
o India’s diversity and challenges need strong service systems to implement policies.
UPHOLDING CONSTITUTIONAL VALUES:
o Services ensure rights like equality (Article 14) and non-discrimination (Article 15).
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT:
o Civil service exams like UPSC help recruit and train capable professionals.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY:
o UPSC and service rules ensure fair, impartial recruitment and functioning.
ENSURING SOCIAL JUSTICE:
o Affirmative action through reservations promotes equality and upliftment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF CIVIL SERVANTS
• Serve elected governments with professional and impartial advice.
• Implement government policies and programs.
• Maintain law and order and public service delivery.
• Act ethically, be responsive to public needs, and respect all citizens.
CHALLENGES TO CIVIL SERVICES
• POLITICAL SUPPORT: Needed to carry out reforms effectively.
• MANAGEMENT CAPACITY: Efficient governance requires strong administration.
• CAPACITY WEAKNESSES: Institutional gaps affect service quality.
• NEED FOR REFORMS: Must adapt to changing social and political conditions.
