Often this desire for political alignment goes to absurd lengths. In Punjab we witness the sad case of a senior policeman being persecuted by the present government since he allegedly worked almost as a political agent of the previous government. It remains a matter of wonderment as to which is more sad: his persecution or his political alignment. As the Congress lost power, the non-Congress government quickly set about teaching the erring officer a lesson. That learning episode continues to be played out in the public. The physical act of junior officers currently falling at the feet of political superiors is only a reflection of the metaphorical act in which their seniors routinely indulge.

It is the danger of relinquishing a commitment to the Constitution of India in favour of a more personalised commitment, and not corruption, which is by far the greatest malaise facing the civil service today. Corruption merely undermines the moral integrity of the individual. Abandoning of political neutrality undermines the entire structure and logic of bureaucracy. The dharma of the civil servant resides with the Constitution while that of a successful politician lies in being able to influence people and win friends. While the one succeeds in fulfilling his dharma — getting others to bend to his will — the other seems to be faltering.

The writer is Additional Director General, Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration, Pune. Views are personal meeta29@hotmail.com