Competency Framework and the Iron Rice Bowl
| Author | E.L.S.N. Balaprasad |
| Published date | 01 July 2012 |
| Date | 01 July 2012 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0019556120120305 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
COMPETENCYFRAMEWORKANDTHEIRONRICE
BOWL
E.L.S.N. BALAPRASAD
In
discussions on competency framework, civil services are
being perceived as
being-at
the forefront while responding
to forces
of
globalisation, technological advances, growing
aspirations, transparency in
administration
and
decentralisation.
It
conjures an image
of
'last
man
standing' responsible for putting India on a fast track to
growth and inclusive development along with its place at
the global table. Such notions
of
a grandiose role lead to
solutions overreach.
The
civil service has to be viewed in
its correct perspective before any discussion
of
adopting
a competency framework.
INTRODUCTION
POLICY CHOICES are in the domain
of
the political class, with direction
and content
of
governance being driven by electoral victories. Tools and
techniques
of
governance fall in the realm
of
bureaucracy. Doing the
job
effectively and efficiently, regardless
of
type
of
policy options, is its objective.
However, even while not being directly held responsible, bureaucrats play
an important role in shaping public policy apart from implementing it. At the
top, there is close association with policy making while down the line to the
lowest rung, they shape and determine public perceptions
of
policy
measures.
Determination
of
the scope
of
bureaucratic role ·is necessary for
examining options for civil services reform.
In
the changing times, it is
necessary that this crucial wing
of
the state develop requisite competencies
to meet growing challenges. Effectiveness combined with efficiency will
be the overriding imperative, with a focus on outcomes as well as processes.
However, as has been told often, but which bears repetition, competency
framework,
or
its predecessor human resource development, has an evident
bias towards the higher civil services. For the administrative system, on the
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