7 March 2025 : Daily Answer Writing
MAINS MODEL QUESTION: 07th MARCH 2025
Q1) Discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of life-long learning among Indian civil servants. How has Mission Karmyogi contributed to this objective? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks, 150 words)
ANSWER
The Supreme Court in a landmark judgement (Subramanium Swamy vs. Election Commission of India) in 2013 stated that every citizen in India has the fundamental “Right to Good Governance”. India’s civil servants play a pivotal role in shaping policies, implementing programs, and ensuring the smooth functioning of administrative affairs. They assume the most important role of permanent executive in Indian democracy which is the face of governance for common people and citizens.
IMPORTANCE OF CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF LIFE-LONG LEARNING AMONG
THE INDIAN CIVIL SERVANTS
- Adapting to Changing Roles: Government and governance both are changing dynamically with time and becoming more complex and integrated. In this scenario, constant learning helps keeping up to date with society and societal needs. For example, civil servants are expected to be proficient in e-Governance to better understand and implement e-Governance tools like DBT.
- Expertise: In India, civil servants are often seen as generalists rather than subject-experts. They are often trained in a manner to perform every task and not being specific-expertise to any field. This is a big problem considering the changing scenario of problems and dynamism in global and internal issues. Cultivating a culture of life-long learning helps bridge the gap between generalist and an expert approach.
- Technological Advancements: Civil servants in India lack training in addressing current technological issues like AI-Dark Web, Deep Fake, Cyberattacks, etc. which makes them inefficient to deal with on a global scale. Mid-service training and culture of learning can help them navigate these technological challenges in a more efficient manner.
- Engagement with CSOs and Corporates: Civil servants are required to better engage with CSOs and corporates to improve upon the service delivery and ensure larger public interest. This requires better training and a culture of learning.
- Better Service Delivery: Since with passing time, the citizenry is progressively getting informed, the culture of life-long learning ensures better accountability and more transparency on the part of the civil servants.
- Creative and Innovative Solutions: A culture of life-long learning encourages civil servants to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to governance challenges. For example, the challenge to heatwaves can be addressed through innovative solutions like reflective paintings and cool roofs.
- Better Compliance to Laws: Civil servants which are more updated on laws, regulations and procedures can perform their duties and responsibilities better. For example, in the recent PNB case, the lack of proper knowledge in updated Companies Law regulations led to cancellation of rights issues leading to loss to investors.
MISSION KARMAYOGI HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THIS OBJECTIVE IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER
- Changed Mindset: Mission Karmayogi has transformed the approach of the civil servants from being “karamchaaris” to being “karmayogis” where “karma” or their duty is like a “yoga” or “spiritual experience”.
- Learning Modules: The capacity of civil servants has been enhanced through tailored learning modules. For example, over 3,88,000 government personnel from across ministries have successfully been certified in learning modules on emerging technologies through iGOT-Karmayogi platform.
- Shift from Rule-based to Role-based Bureaucracy: To reduce bureaucratic apathy and red-tapism, “Mission Karmayogi” has focussed on citizen-centric approach, making governance friendly and trustworthy. For example, over 50,000 police personnels who interact with citizens at police stations, traffic junctions, etc. were given training to be citizen-friendly and responsive.
- e-Governance: The mission completely focusses e-Governance modules which has made civil servants more versed with technology-led governance.
- Citizen Interaction: Mission Karmayogi focuses on enhancing citizen government interactions with officials becoming enablers for citizens and business.
- Policy Design and Implementation: Mission Karmayogi ensures that the policy designs transmits to the grassroot levels, and there is no gap in implementation and designing. This is done through continuous learning and
- Done It Before: The Mission ensures that the new civil servants learn to tackle situations and manage crises by learning from the civil servants who have done the same thing before. This transmission of knowledge through generations helps in inculcating an atmosphere of learning.
- Involvement of Private Entities: With involvement of the private sector, the learning to incorporate and engage with CSOs and the private sector becomes a lifelong process.
India has embarked on the path towards Viksit Bharat by 2047. Improved governance and efficient and competent civil services are required for achieving
India’s ambitions. Mission Karmayogi, flanked by the CBC (Capacity Building Commission) and Karmayogi Bharat, have made giant leaps in the capacity building of Indian civil services.
Read more- MAINS MODEL QUESTION: 06th March 2025
