Administrative Reforms and Personnel Management in India: A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

Administrative reforms and personnel management form the backbone of effective governance and public service delivery in India. Since independence, the Indian administrative system has undergone a series of structural, procedural, and behavioural transformations intended to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and accountability. The complex legacy of colonial bureaucracy, combined with the imperatives of democratic governance and socio-economic development, necessitated continuous reform in the administrative apparatus. This paper critically examines the trajectory of administrative reforms and personnel management in India from independence to the contemporary era, analysing major initiatives such as the recommendations of the Administrative Reforms Commissions (ARC), the evolution of personnel systems, and the shift towards performance-oriented governance. It evaluates how reforms have addressed challenges of red tape, corruption, politicisation, and capacity deficits. The study adopts a qualitative and descriptive approach based on secondary data, government reports, and academic research. It concludes that although significant progress has been achieved through decentralisation, digitalisation, and capacity building, the goals of administrative efficiency and public accountability remain partially realised. The paper argues that administrative reform in India must increasingly focus on ethical leadership, citizen-centric service delivery, and continuous professional development to meet the aspirations of a 21st-century governance framework.