What is administrative elitism? How does it evolve in public administration? Elaborate your response with reference to historical examples.

Defining Administrative Elitism

At its core, administrative elitism posits that effective governance necessitates a professional, detached bureaucracy insulated from political pressures and public opinion. This detachment is justified by the belief that administrators possess specialized knowledge and skills necessary for rational decision-making. This contrasts with democratic ideals of citizen participation and accountability.

Evolution of Administrative Elitism

Early Stages (Pre-Independence India)

The roots of administrative elitism in India can be traced to the British colonial administration. The Indian Civil Service (ICS), established in 1855, was explicitly designed as an elite corps recruited primarily from the British upper classes. Entry was highly competitive, and the ICS officers were considered superior to the native population, wielding significant power and authority. This system fostered a culture of exclusivity and a belief in the inherent superiority of the administrative class. The emphasis was on maintaining law and order and revenue collection, with little regard for popular participation.

Post-Independence Era (1947-1990s)

After independence, the ICS was transformed into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), but the underlying ethos of elitism persisted. While efforts were made to Indianize the service, the recruitment process continued to favor individuals from privileged backgrounds and elite educational institutions. The emphasis on generalist administrators, rather than specialists, further reinforced the notion of a superior administrative class capable of handling any task. The influence of the ‘steel frame’ concept, popularized by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, solidified the IAS’s position as a powerful and influential elite. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2008) noted the continued presence of elitist tendencies within the bureaucracy.

Liberalization and Globalization (1990s – Present)

The economic liberalization of the 1990s brought about some changes, with increased emphasis on efficiency, accountability, and citizen-centric governance. However, administrative elitism hasn’t disappeared. The rise of specialized agencies and the increasing complexity of governance have created new forms of elitism, where experts in specific fields wield considerable influence. Furthermore, the continued dominance of certain educational institutions in IAS recruitment perpetuates existing inequalities. The lateral entry policy, introduced in recent years, aims to break this elitism by allowing specialists from outside the government to join at higher levels, but its implementation has been limited.

Historical Examples

• The East India Company’s Administration: The Company’s officials operated with a sense of superiority and viewed themselves as custodians of British interests, largely disregarding the needs of the Indian population.
• The ‘Permanent Settlement’ (1793): This land revenue system, implemented by Lord Cornwallis, favored a small class of zamindars, creating a hierarchical structure and reinforcing the power of the administrative elite.
• The Planning Commission (1950-2014): While intended for national development, the Planning Commission was often criticized for being dominated by economists and technocrats, with limited input from other stakeholders.

Factors Contributing to the Persistence of Elitism

• Recruitment Processes: The competitive nature of the civil services examination and the dominance of certain educational institutions in success rates.
• Training and Socialization: The training academies often reinforce a sense of exclusivity and a particular worldview among recruits.
• Social Background: The socio-economic background of many administrators contributes to a disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
• Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Limited access to information and weak accountability mechanisms allow for the perpetuation of elitist practices.