Notes Civics Chapter 6 Class 8 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Civics Class 8

Bureaucracy

Introduction to Bureaucracy

• Bureaucracy is the administrative system responsible for implementing government policies.
• It works under the Union Executive and ensures smooth governance.
• It consists of civil servants who help execute laws and policies.
• Examples of important bureaucratic posts:
  • District Collector – Implements government policies at the district level and maintains law and order.
  • Municipal Commissioner – Prepares the municipal budget and oversees urban administration.
  • Finance Secretary – Manages financial matters of the government.
  • Divisional Commissioner – Reviews revenue collection and administration in a division.

Functions of the Government

The government performs two main functions:

1. Ensuring National Security and Internal Safety

• Defending the country from external threats.
• Maintaining internal security with the help of the police force and civil services.
• Supporting law enforcement agencies for public safety.

2. Providing Public Services to Citizens

• Infrastructure development (roads, electricity, water supply).
• Ensuring social welfare (education, healthcare, employment schemes).
• Implementing economic and social development programs.

Understanding Civil Services

• The administrative system of the government is known as the civil service.
• It is also referred to as bureaucracy.
• Ministers are the political heads of government departments.
• Civil servants assist ministers by offering expertise and executing policies.
• The balance between ministers and civil servants ensures smooth governance.

Characteristics of Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy has the following key characteristics:

1. Permanence

• Unlike elected representatives, bureaucrats remain in office regardless of political changes.
• Essential services such as tax collection, law enforcement, and environmental protection continue without interruption.

2. Political Neutrality

• Bureaucrats do not belong to any political party.
• They must work efficiently under any government in power.
• Even if a new government changes policies, bureaucracy must remain neutral and follow new instructions.

3. Anonymity

• Bureaucrats do not take credit or blame for government decisions.
• Ministers are held accountable for the department’s performance.
• If a policy fails, the minister, not the bureaucrats, is answerable to the public and Parliament.

Significance of Indian Bureaucracy

The Indian bureaucracy plays a crucial role in governance.

1. Ensures Stability

• Bureaucracy ensures the smooth functioning of government services like:
  • Water supply
  • Transport
  • Electricity
  • Public cleanliness
  • Health services
  • Agricultural reforms

2. Instrument of Social Change

• Bureaucracy implements government laws and policies for social transformation.
• Examples:
  • Women empowerment laws (e.g., Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme).
  • Child security programs (e.g., Mid-Day Meal scheme).
  • Welfare schemes for marginalized groups (e.g., reservation in education and jobs).

3. Promotes Democracy

• Bureaucracy ensures equal participation of all sections of society in governance.
• It implements policies like reservation for backward communities to bring them into mainstream society.
• Helps in decision-making by providing expertise to elected representatives.

Types of Civil Services in India

There are three main types of civil services in India:

1. All-India Services (Work under both Union & State Governments)

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS) – Handles policy-making and administration.
• Indian Police Service (IPS) – Manages law enforcement and internal security.
• Indian Forest Service (IFS) – Deals with environmental and forest conservation.

2. Union or Central Services (Work under the Union Government)

• Indian Foreign Service (IFS) – Represents India in diplomatic affairs.
• Indian Revenue Service (IRS) – Manages taxation and revenue collection.

3. State Civil Services (Work under the State Government)

• Deputy District Collector – Assists in district administration.
• Block Development Officer (BDO) – Oversees rural development.
• Tehsildar (Executive Magistrate) – Handles land revenue administration.

Recruitment Process for Civil Services

• Civil servants are selected through competitive examinations.
• Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts exams for All-India and Central Services.
• State Public Service Commissions (e.g., MPSC) conduct exams for State Civil Services.
• Reservation policy ensures fair representation of:
  • Scheduled Castes (SCs)
  • Scheduled Tribes (STs)
  • Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
  • Women and specially-abled individuals

Relationship Between Ministers and Civil Servants

• Ministers make policy decisions and provide political leadership.
• Civil servants (bureaucrats) provide expert advice and manage daily administration.
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Ministers decide on new policies based on public interest.
  • Civil servants give necessary data and information to ministers.
  • Civil servants know financial provisions and past policies, helping ministers make informed decisions.
• Effective governance requires mutual trust and transparency between ministers and bureaucrats.