A central umbrella for babus on the way

THE GOVERNMENT'S gingerly moves to insulate the bureaucracy from political interference have found firmer footing. On the anvil is a Central Public Services Authority (CPSA) with a mandate to nurse and navigate an ailing babudom.

The CPSA is integral to the proposed Public Services Bill that will provide a statutory basis for regulating civil service in India.

It has crossed the first hurdle -- a committee headed by Cabinet Secretary B.K. Chaturvedi recently approved the draft that will be sent to the Union Cabinet.

The CPSA will have a say in all matters concerning "organisation, control, operation and management" of public services and public servants. This means, an official explained, a CPSA finger in every bureaucratic pie -- be it laying down policies, drafting rules or inquiring into grievance mechanisms for members of central and All India Services.

The official said the government would have the right to differ, but not without a cogent public explanation. A panel comprising the PM, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and a nominee of the Chief Justice of India will decide appointments to the Authority (maximum five members).

The draft Bill disqualifies MPs or office-bearer of a political party from making it to the CPSA.