Paper: GS-II, Subject:Â Governance, Topic: Role of Civil services in a democracy, Issues: Indian Scientific Service
Context: India’s post-Independence governance model was built on the foundation of generalist administrators, which was essential for nation-building.
- However, as the country faces increasingly complex challenges related to science, technology, and the environment, the need for specialized scientific expertise in policymaking has become paramount.
- The existing administrative framework, designed for a different era, has created a disconnect between scientists and their roles in governance, limiting their ability to contribute effectively.
The Paradox of Administrator and Scientist
- Different career tracks: Civil servants are generalists selected through competitive exams, while scientists follow specialized research-based paths, creating a skill and expectation gap.
- Training imbalance: Administrators receive structured governance training; scientists lack similar institutional pathways for administrative roles.
- Limited policy role: Scientific input in policymaking is often reactive and short-term, not focused on long-term planning.
- Underused expertise: Weak integration between science and governance leads to poor utilization of scientific knowledge in decision-making.
Creating an Indian Scientific Service would strengthen science-based governance, support climate action, public health and technology goals, and modernize administration, helping India move beyond colonial legacies toward evidence driven decision making and global leadership.
Source: (The Hindu)
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