Frequent transfers can undermine accountability and foster a culture of patronage and political interference. Implementing fixed tenure for civil servants has been proposed as a potential solution to address the problems associated with frequent transfers and promote good governance. Discuss.

Topic: Role of civil services in a democracy.

Topic: Role of civil services in a democracy.

4. Frequent transfers can undermine accountability and foster a culture of patronage and political interference. Implementing fixed tenure for civil servants has been proposed as a potential solution to address the problems associated with frequent transfers and promote good governance. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Insights on India , Insights on India

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2. Key Demand of the question: To write about the issue of frequent transfers of civil servants and if fixed tenure can lead to good governance. Directive word: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by giving context. Body: First, write about the drawbacks and impact associated with the frequent transfer of civil servants. Next, write about the advantages of having a fixed tenure of the civil servants in a particular posting – continuity, impartial decision making, insulation from pressure, increased efficiency etc. Next, write about the disadvantages of having a fixed tenure of the civil servants – complacency, shrinking accountability etc. Conclusion: Conclude by starting your opinion on the above issue and way forward to achieve continuity.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the issue of frequent transfers of civil servants and if fixed tenure can lead to good governance.

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving context.

First, write about the drawbacks and impact associated with the frequent transfer of civil servants.

Next, write about the advantages of having a fixed tenure of the civil servants in a particular posting – continuity, impartial decision making, insulation from pressure, increased efficiency etc.

Next, write about the disadvantages of having a fixed tenure of the civil servants – complacency, shrinking accountability etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by starting your opinion on the above issue and way forward to achieve continuity.