Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
In the pursuit of holistic development, which encompasses economic, social, environmental, and human well-centric progress, the traditional role of civil servants as mere regulators and enforcers of rules is evolving. Modern governance paradigms demand a shift towards civil servants acting as active enablers and facilitators of growth. This transformation is crucial for fostering an environment that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized in 2025, bureaucrats must transition from being enforcers to proactive facilitators to meet the dynamic needs of a rapidly changing world and realize the vision of "Viksit Bharat by 2047."
Specific Measures for Civil Servants to Act as Enablers and Facilitators:
To achieve the goal of holistic development, civil servants must adopt a multi-faceted approach, integrating systemic reforms with a profound shift in mindset and operational strategies. The following measures are crucial:
- Procedural Reforms and Simplification:
- Single-Window Clearances: Implement and strengthen single-window clearance systems across all government departments to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and improve the 'Ease of Doing Business' and 'Ease of Living'. Examples include online portals for business registrations and permits.
- Time-Bound Service Delivery: Mandate time-bound delivery of public services through Citizen's Charters, with provisions for deemed approvals to reduce delays and enhance accountability. The Citizen's Charter and Grievance Redressal Bill, 2011 (though lapsed) aimed to enforce this.
- Digitization and E-governance: Leverage technology for end-to-end digital service delivery, reducing physical interface and promoting transparency. This includes online applications, payment gateways, and digital record-keeping.
- Capacity Building and Attitudinal Transformation:
- Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB): Implement the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building, launched in 2020, to foster a competency-based and continuous learning ecosystem for civil servants. The iGOT Karmayogi platform, launched in 2022, is central to this.
- Empathy and Citizen-Centricity: Promote training modules that instill empathy, emotional intelligence, and a citizen-first approach. Civil servants should be trained to listen to citizens' voices and understand their needs, moving away from a "mai-baap" (patronizing) culture.
- Ethical Leadership: Senior officers must lead by example in integrity, compassion, and fairness, setting the ethical tone for the entire organization. The 2nd ARC Report on Ethics in Governance (2007) provided recommendations in this regard.
- Participatory Governance and Collaboration:
- Community Engagement: Actively involve local communities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and the private sector in policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring of development projects. Examples include Gram Sabhas for village development and involving Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in local initiatives.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Facilitate robust PPPs to leverage private sector expertise, investment, and innovation for infrastructure and service delivery projects.
- Collaborative Leadership: Break down departmental silos and encourage cross-departmental collaboration for integrated project execution, fostering a shared vision for national goals.
- Innovation and Adaptive Administration:
- Outcome-Based Approach: Shift focus from process-oriented assessments to outcome-based performance measurement systems, using SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) indicators.
- Encourage Experimentation: Foster a culture that encourages civil servants to experiment with innovative solutions and adaptive policies tailored to local challenges, rather than rigidly adhering to existing rules.
- Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: Strengthen transparent and efficient grievance redressal platforms, ensuring prompt and satisfactory resolution of public complaints.
Comparison of Regulator vs. Enabler/Facilitator Role
| Aspect | Regulator Role | Enabler/Facilitator Role |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Rule-bound, hierarchical, punitive | Citizen-centric, collaborative, supportive |
| Focus | Enforcement, compliance, control | Development, empowerment, growth |
| Relationship with Public | Authority-subject | Partner-stakeholder |
| Mindset | Risk-averse, status quo | Proactive, innovative, solution-oriented |
| Goal | Maintain order, prevent malpractice | Achieve holistic development, foster prosperity |
Conclusion
The transition of civil servants from regulators to enablers and facilitators is imperative for India's holistic development. This paradigm shift demands not only institutional reforms like streamlined procedures and digital governance but also a fundamental change in the mindset and approach of civil servants. By embracing empathy, fostering collaboration, prioritizing citizen engagement, and continuously enhancing their capacities through initiatives like Mission Karmayogi, civil servants can become catalysts for inclusive growth and sustainable development, truly serving as the backbone of a progressive and prosperous nation.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.