Explore the comprehensive evolution of civil services in India, from the early administrative systems under the East India Company to transformative reforms like the Charter Act of 1853 and the Government of India Act, 1935.
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Evolution of Civil Services in India
Early Civil Service
Introduction: The civil service system introduced by the East India Company evolved from managing commercial affairs to overseeing administrative matters in India.
Distinction: Initially distinguished between commercial servants and those in military/naval services.
Cornwallis’ Role (1786-1793)
Reforms: Initiated organization of civil services and anti-corruption measures.
Measures: Increased salaries, enforced rules against private trade, prohibited bribes and presents, and promoted based on seniority.
Wellesley’s Role (1798-1805)
Fort William College: Established in 1800 for training new recruits.
East India College: Replaced Fort William College in 1806, providing two years’ training in England.
Charter Act of 1853
End of Patronage: Recruitment shifted to open competition.
Exclusion of Indians: Reserved high posts for Europeans, based on biases and high competition among Europeans.
Charter Act of 1833: Theoretical opening of services to Indians, but not implemented.
Proclamation of 1858: British intention to include Indians in civil service offices.
Indian Civil Service Act, 1861
Examinations: Held in England, conducted in English with classical learning. Age limits gradually reduced.
First Indian Success: Satyendra Nath Tagore became the first Indian to qualify in 1863.
Statutory Civil Service (1878-79)
Introduction: Consisted of one-sixth covenanted posts for Indians nominated by local governments.
Failure: The system failed and was abolished.
Congress Demand and Aitchison Committee
Congress Demand: Lowering age limits and simultaneous examinations in India and Britain.
Aitchison Committee (1886): Recommended changes including dropping terms ‘covenanted’ and ‘uncovenanted’, classification of services, and raising age limits.
Resolution of 1893: Supported simultaneous examinations but was not implemented.
Montford Reforms (1919)
Policy: Emphasized employing more Indians in public service for a responsible government.
Recommendations: Simultaneous examinations in India and England, and increasing Indian recruitments annually.
Lee Commission (1924)
Recommendations: Recruitment of ICS and other services by the secretary of state, provincial recruitment for transferred fields, and achieving parity between Europeans and Indians in 15 years.
Public Service Commission: Establishment recommended as per the Government of India Act, 1919.
Government of India Act, 1935
Federal and Provincial Commissions: Recommended establishment of Federal and Provincial Public Service Commissions.
Limitations: Control and authority remained with the British, and Indianisation of the civil service did not transfer effective power to Indians.
Evaluation of Civil Services under British Rule
Exclusion of Indians: Indians were largely excluded from policy-making and implementation institutions.
Entrance Difficulties: Entrance exams were held in London with high barriers for Indians, including classical subjects and reduced age limits.
Key Positions: Europeans occupied key positions of power, and Indianisation did not effectively transfer power.
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