What is bureaucracy? Discuss the features of bureaucracy.
What is bureaucracy? Discuss the features of bureaucracy.
Bureaucracy:-
Bureaucracy is the non-political part of the government. All members of the bureaucracy are permanently employed government employees. Etymologically, the word bureaucracy means table governance. Bureaucracy is responsible for implementing government policies and programmes and assists the government in policy making. All government decisions are implemented through the bureaucracy.
Generally, bureaucracy is the non-political and permanent part of the government who assists the government in policy making, implements government decisions and implements programs.
Characteristics of bureaucracy:-
1. Non-political:-
Bureaucracy is the non-political part of the government. Bureaucracy has nothing to do with politics, participation in elections, formation of public opinion, etc. As a condition of employment, bureaucrats have to remain politically neutral.
2. Permanent:-
Members of the political part of the administration are appointed through elections; therefore, they are not permanent; but bureaucrats are appointed through competitive examinations and serve as members of the administration permanently until their retirement.
3. Neutrality:-
Bureaucrats have to work above all political ideals. In the implementation of government programs, day-to-day administration, maintenance of law and order, policy formulation, etc., bureaucrats have to work while maintaining neutrality.
4. Assistance in determining government policies:-
The role of bureaucrats is very important in determining government policies. Compared to the political part of the administration, bureaucrats have a clear idea, information and statistics from all sectors of society. As a result, it is impossible for the government to determine policies without the help of bureaucrats.
5. Implementation of programs and decisions:-
All government programs and decisions are implemented through bureaucrats. In this case, the principle of decentralization is followed. Any government decision or program is given a tangible form through the strong organizational structure of bureaucracy.
6. Maintaining continuity: -
Bureaucracy maintains the continuity of government work. In the political field of the administration, there are ups and downs, uncertainties, etc.; Also, when the cabinet suddenly falls or the government is dissolved - at that time, the bureaucracy maintains continuity in the work of various parts of the administration.
7. Control: -
Bureaucrats are not elected by the people or nominated by the parliament. Therefore, bureaucrats do not have to be responsible to the people or the parliament. Bureaucrats are generally responsible to the minister of the concerned department. The power to control the work of bureaucrats lies with the minister of the concerned department.
8. Discipline: -
Another important feature of bureaucracy is strict discipline and order. Discipline is one of the conditions of a bureaucratic job to fulfill the huge responsibilities in the implementation of government policies and decisions, daily administration management, etc.
9. Organizational factors:-
In every country, a high degree of division can be observed in the organizational field of bureaucracy. The skills and efficiency of all levels of the organizational structure of the bureaucracy are absolutely essential to carry out all government activities properly.
10. Service-related conditions:-
Bureaucrats are appointed by a specific state commission. Various matters such as their salary, promotion, etc. are predetermined. The matters of their dismissal are also clearly recorded. Generally, they are dismissed in cases of treason, immorality, etc.
11. Multifaceted performance:-
The functions of the bureaucracy are multifaceted. Starting from public welfare work, implementation of government programs; Bureaucrats have to be involved in various types of activities, from helping to formulate policies to managing day-to-day administration. To successfully manage these multifaceted activities, bureaucrats need to have sufficient skills.
12. Procrastination and other negative aspects:-
Many times bureaucracy is prone to procrastination. In addition, various negative features like abuse of power, immorality, indifference to public interest, etc., tarnish the glorious aspects of bureaucracy.
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