ABSTRACT
In 1964, the Department of Administrative Reforms was created within the Home Ministry. Consequently, several reforms were indeed undertaken by independent India, some by former higher civil servants, others initiated by Parliament, and a few as recommended by foreign experts. The absence of civil servants was interpreted as the result of distrust, and the perception that they were blocking reforms as their own service conditions were affected by reforms. “Reservations” constitute an important aspect of recruitment and selection of civil servants. The Supreme Court of India gave its imprimatur to reservations as far back as 1963, saying that the policy is not meant to subvert the equality principle but is only an exception to it. Despite all criticisms, there is no dearth of aspiring civil servants, as may be seen from the growing number of candidates taking the civil service examination.
