The government in a democracy consists of political executives like the ministers and the permanent executives like the civil servants. The political executives are the administrative head of the ministry with the power of superintendence and administration of the bureaucracy. They are also responsible for making laws, rules and procedures through the parliament and the ministries. The permanent executives are responsible for the implementation of the laws made by the parliament and state legislators. They are expected to work independently in their respective domains.

 

However, the political executives control the bureaucrats as they have the power to transfer them without assigning any reasons. Civil servants often face harassment if they don’t heed the direction of the politicians. Frequent transfers may affect their personal life and cause huge inconvenience to the civil servant. They may also be removed or compulsorily retired from service.

 

Hence, many civil servants prefer to align with the political masters to safeguard their personal and professional interest, which leads to politicization of bureaucracy. However, politicization of bureaucracy has serious consequences for any nation.

 

Politicians often engage in divide and rule policy to get more votes and act in a partisan manner to please their vote bank. They also protect unscrupulous businessmen who provide them financial support.

 

Civil servants can provide fair administration and implement the law impartially because their job is protected by the law and the Constitution. They must discharge their functions impartially. If civil services are politicized, officers would not be taking decisions in accordance with the law, but follow their political masters. Soon citizens may lose faith in the government leading to lawlessness and anarchy in the country. (274 words)