ROLE OF CIVIL SERVICES IN A DEMOCRACY
The civil services form the backbone of governance in any democracy. These institutions are responsible for implementing policies, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the delivery of public services. Their role extends beyond mere administration, as they act as a bridge between the government and the citizens. In a democracy, civil services are indispensable for upholding constitutional values and ensuring equity and justice in public administration.
Civil services refer to the permanent executive branch of the government responsible for implementing policies and providing advice to political leaders. They include a variety of roles, from administrative positions to specialized services in health, education, and law enforcement.
A civil servant is a government employee who is recruited through a transparent, merit-based system to ensure competency and neutrality. They are bound by a code of conduct to serve the public without political bias or personal interest. Unlike elected representatives, civil servants maintain continuity in governance irrespective of changes in political leadership.
Civil servants differ from other public sector employees in their scope of work and responsibilities. While public sector employees typically manage operational tasks in government-owned enterprises, civil servants are involved in higher-level decision-making, policy formulation, and implementation.