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.

The evolution of civil services in British India reflects the gradual shift from commercial administration by the East India Company to structured governance, culminating in reforms that shaped the modern Indian Civil Services. This detailed overview covers key acts, commissions, and policies, highlighting their impact on Indian students studying administrative history.

Early Evolution of Civil Services in British India: Historical Overview and Key Reforms

• This section provides a concise understanding of how civil services began under British rule and the initial distinctions made in administration.

  • Early Civil Service Structure and Introduction

    • Introduction to Civil Services under East India Company

      • The civil service system initially managed commercial affairs but gradually took responsibility for broader administrative duties across India.
      • Early distinctions were made between commercial servants and those in military or naval services.

    • Lord Cornwallis’ Reforms (1786-1793)

      • Organization of civil services and introduction of anti-corruption measures were key initiatives.
      • Measures included higher salaries, strict rules against private trade, prohibition of bribes, and promotion based on seniority.

    • Wellesley’s Contribution (1798-1805)

      • Fort William College (established in 1800) was created for training new recruits.
      • East India College (1806) replaced Fort William College, offering two years of training in England.

    • Charter Act of 1853 and Subsequent Reforms

      • End of patronage: Recruitment moved to an open competition system.
      • Exclusion of Indians: High posts reserved for Europeans, creating biases despite theoretical openings under Charter Act 1833.
      • Proclamation of 1858: Declared the British intention to include Indians in civil service offices.

    • Indian Civil Service Act, 1861: A Milestone

      • Examinations were conducted in England, primarily in English with classical subjects, and age limits were gradually reduced.
      • First Indian success: Satyendra Nath Tagore became the first Indian to qualify in 1863.

    • Statutory Civil Service (1878-79)

      • One-sixth of covenanted posts were reserved for Indians, nominated by local governments.
      • The system failed and was eventually abolished.

    • Congress Demands and Aitchison Committee (1886)

      • Congress demands: Lower age limits and simultaneous examinations in India and Britain.
      • Aitchison Committee: Recommended dropping terms ‘covenanted’ and ‘uncovenanted’, classification of services, and raising age limits.
      • Resolution of 1893: Supported simultaneous exams but remained unimplemented.

    • Montford Reforms and ICS Reforms (1919)

      • Policy: Emphasized employing more Indians in public services to create responsible government.
      • Recommendations: Simultaneous examinations in India and England with increased Indian recruitments annually.

    • Lee Commission (1924) and Its Impact

      • Recommendations: Secretary of State to recruit ICS and other services, provincial recruitment for transferred fields, achieving parity between Europeans and Indians in 15 years.
      • Public Service Commission: Recommended as per the Government of India Act, 1919.

    • Government of India Act, 1935: Civil Service Structure Reforms

      • Federal and Provincial Commissions: Proposed establishment of Federal and Provincial Public Service Commissions.
      • Limitations: Authority remained with British officials, and Indianisation did not grant effective power to Indians.

    • Evaluation of British Civil Service Reforms

      • Exclusion of Indians: Largely barred from policy-making and administrative roles.
      • Entrance challenges: Exams in London created high barriers, including classical subjects and age restrictions.
      • Key positions: Held mainly by Europeans, with Indianisation failing to transfer real authority.

  • Summary of British Civil Service Evolution and Reforms

    The civil service system in British India evolved through several stages: from the East India Company’s commercial administration to structured governance reforms under Lord Cornwallis, Wellesley, and subsequent acts like the Charter Act 1853 and Indian Civil Service Act 1861. While gradual Indian inclusion was intended, effective power remained mostly with Europeans. Key reforms like Montford Reforms, Lee Commission recommendations, and the Government of India Act, 1935, laid the foundation for modern Indian Civil Services.