UPSC’s Journey as the Guardian of Meritocracy: Celebrating 100 Years
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) marks a century of its establishment on October 1st, 1926.
Objective: Envisioned by the nation’s founders as a guardian of meritocracy, the UPSC has played a pivotal role in the recruitment, the promotion and the disciplining of officials of the Central Civil Services.
Historical Background
Early Civil Service (East India Company Era):
Lord Cornwallis is considered the ‘Father of Civil Services in India,’ and the Charter Act of 1793 established covenanted civil services, which led to a more structured administration and pensions for employees.
The Government of India Act, 1919, first provided for such a body, and in October 1926, the Public Service Commission was set up, following the recommendations of the Lee Commission (1924).
The Government of India Act 1935 established the Federal Public Service Commission, introducing provincial autonomy and separate Public Service Commissions for provinces.
Post-Independence Developments:
National Civil Services Day– The history of this day dates back to April 21, 1947, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of independent India, addressed probationers of the Administrative Services at Metcalf House in Delhi. He referred to civil servants as the “steel frame of India”.
After independence in 1947, the Indian Civil Service (ICS) was replaced by the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
In 1950, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) took over the recruitment for civil services at the national level.
Reforms and Initiatives:
Lateral Entry Scheme: Hiring domain experts from the private sector for mid-level positions to bring fresh perspectives and specialized knowledge.
Increased Flexibility: To improve governance and bring innovation.
Mission Karmayogi- National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)
Approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2020, Mission Karmayogi is a flagship reform aimed at equipping civil servants with the right skills, knowledge, and attitude for the 21st century.
Shift from “rule-based” to “role-based” management.
Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window (SPARROW)- The Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window system ensures the performance assessment process is transparent, timely, and unbiased.
Professional Resource and Talent Integration Bridge for Hiring Aspirants(PRATIBHA) Setu initiative- facilitating employment opportunities for those who reach the interview stage but are unable to make it in the final list, provides them alternate opportunities.
