Reflections of Civil Servants on India's 1980s Crises and Reforms

This article looks at key events in Indian history through the experiences of civil servants from the “Class of 1974,” providing insights into how major crises were handled. These include moments like the siege of the Golden Temple in Punjab and the military involvement in Sri Lanka, leading to the assassination of two Prime Ministers. The book “Rear View” gathers these stories, as told by the civil servants themselves, reflecting on a challenging era, offering a detailed perspective on the India 1980s civil service reflections.

Operation Blue Star and its Aftermath

Ramesh Inder Singh, who was the District Magistrate of Amritsar from 1984 to 1987, shares his firsthand experience with Operation Blue Star. This operation marked a turning point in Indian history, as it involved military intervention in Punjab to tackle the spread of terrorism linked to separatist movements. Singh highlights that issues in governance from both civil and military authorities led to further unrest. The long-term impact is still seen today, especially in strained diplomatic relations with countries like Canada, where separatist sentiments continue to echo.

India’s Peacekeeping in Sri Lanka

The book also explores India’s military intervention in Sri Lanka. Hardeep Singh Puri, who was then a political officer at India’s High Commission in Colombo, reflects on the turmoil. Rajiv Gandhi’s government had signed a peace accord with Sri Lanka in 1987, aiming to protect the Tamil population there. However, both the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil rebels did not honor this agreement, leading to prolonged conflict. The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) faced challenges, leading to heavy losses, and the conflict ultimately escalated, resulting in Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in 1991 by a member of the Tamil Tigers. This intervention strained relationships between India, Sri Lanka, and Tamil communities across the world.

Insights from Civil Servants on Other Key Crises

The book includes reflections from several other civil servants on their experiences handling different crises. Sujata Rao, a former Union Health Secretary, recalls the stigma and challenges involved in setting up India’s National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). She describes the resistance faced in tackling AIDS and the difficult adjustments needed within the healthcare system to better serve affected communities.

Atul Chaturvedi, who served in Uttar Pradesh, describes his experience with issues in medical education, particularly around corrupt practices in admissions. A series of cases eventually reached the Supreme Court, which had to make landmark decisions about the regulation of medical education.

Meanwhile, Ujal Singh Bhatia shares a story from Odisha in the 1980s, where he witnessed women campaigning for a ban on alcohol. At that time, alcohol abuse was severely affecting families in the region. Women-led efforts to restrict alcohol consumption were among the early movements advocating for women-centric policies in India.

Environmental and Social Reforms

Civil servants also faced challenges in environmental conservation, balancing traditional practices with emerging concerns. Bhatia’s campaign to restrict alcohol was one such initiative to address social issues in an era before India had modern women-focused policies.

Rajiv Dogra, an engineer turned diplomat, shares his experience lobbying for Indian literature on the international stage, including at the Nobel Prize for Literature. He hoped to increase the representation of Indian authors. Though he faced bureaucratic hurdles, Dogra was thrilled to serve in a role that could bring Indian literary talent into the spotlight.

Observations on Judicial and Law Enforcement Systems

Deepak Gupta, another former civil servant, highlights issues in the judicial and police systems, noting that reform is necessary to better serve those at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder. He argues that inadequate policing and an overwhelmed judiciary often fail to address communal tensions, political protests, and other critical situations. Gupta stresses the need for fairer and more effective law enforcement at the local level.

C. Balakrishnan shares his experience with the family planning program during the Emergency in the 1970s. Political influence affected the program as it merged with the Five-Point Program of the then prime minister’s son, Sanjay Gandhi. The experience underscored the complexity of implementing sensitive policies within a politically charged environment.

Cultural Shifts and Adjustments

The civil servants from this era had to manage cultural differences as well. Firoza Mehrotra, who served in rural Haryana, recalls the difficulties of promoting gender equality in deeply traditional communities. Despite her efforts to explain equal rights, she faced resistance from women who saw domestic issues as private matters. Nonetheless, these stories reveal that even small steps made an impact, slowly shifting perspectives in rural India.

Lessons Learned and Reflections on Civil Services

Through these experiences, the civil servants share insights on how governance has evolved and become more complex over time. They note that the growing role of globalization and social media has made public service more challenging. Changes in political and social environments have brought new expectations for transparency and accountability.

The book highlights the need for reforms in the selection process for civil servants, as competition for these roles remains high. Many people who pursue careers in medicine, engineering, and other fields later choose to join the civil services. However, they often find themselves limited by a system that needs modernization to better align with the public’s needs and aspirations.

Impact of Historical Events on Civil Services

The 1974 batch of civil servants witnessed many historic events, including the Babri Masjid demolition and instances of communal violence, which have since impacted Indian governance. Although these officials were not directly responsible for these events, their careers were marked by periods of political and social turbulence.

For aspiring civil servants, the book serves as a reminder that administrative roles often involve making tough decisions in the public interest. While these decisions may sometimes be controversial, a dedication to ethical governance remains essential.

New Approaches in Governance and Service

The modern era of civil service emphasizes “Karma Yogi” principles, with the government aiming to instill a mindset of selfless service in public officials. The Capacity Building Commission is working to implement this model, inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s “Mann ki Baat.” The hope is to encourage civil servants to adopt a sense of purpose in serving the public without expecting personal gain.

In recent years, there has been a rise in officials and judges taking politically motivated actions, highlighting the challenges of maintaining impartiality. This trend underscores the importance of reforming the system to prevent misuse of power and ensure that civil servants prioritize the public good over personal or political interests.

Conclusion

Rear View" provides valuable lessons from civil servants who experienced India’s most challenging decades. Their stories offer insights into the complexity of governance and the delicate balance needed to address public needs, political influences, and societal challenges. These reflections remind us of the importance of ethical governance and the impact of civil services on shaping the nation’s future. The book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the role of civil services in India’s development and the challenges faced by those tasked with managing the country’s growth and stability.

In conclusion, "Rear View" offers a unique perspective on India's complex governance and the critical role of civil servants. The book emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and provides invaluable lessons on navigating national crises, making it an essential resource for those interested in India's administrative history.