Bureaucracy forms the backbone of Indian administration. It is also referred to as the “steel frame” which provided stability and order in Indian society. Bureaucracy in India is based on Weberian model characterised by hierarchy, impersonal rules, neutrality, written documentation, division of labour, merit based selection, etc. Bureaucrats play a vital role in policy formulation, policy execution and policy evaluation. They are endowed with vast powers by virtue of their positions in the scheme of governance in India. However, there are numerous instances of misuse of authority and power by the bureaucracy in our country. Such instances call for greater accountability of administrators so that values of good governance are upheld and welfare of citizens is ensured.

Administrative Accountability Meaning

Administrative accountability refers to the responsibility and obligation of government officials and employees to justify their decisions, actions and performance in the exercise of their duties and responsibilities. It encompasses the processes, mechanisms, and structures that ensure that public officials and employees are held responsible for their decisions and actions, and that they can be held accountable to the public and the broader system of governance. Administrative accountability includes reporting requirements, audits, inspections, performance evaluations, and other measures that help to ensure that public officials and employees are performing their duties in a responsible and transparent manner, and that they are held accountable for any misconduct or mismanagement.

Mechanisms to ensure accountability of administrators or bureaucrats or civil servants are similar to those in case of the political executive. However, there are certain additional institutions and legal mechanisms which are created to ensure accountability of the administrative executive in India. These mechanisms are discussed in the following sections.

Right to Information Act, 2005

Free flow of information not only makes the public aware of administrative activities but it also acts as a deterrent against any misdoings by bureaucracy as they have statutory obligation to disseminate relevant information to the public. Such dissemination of information creates an environment of openness and transparency in public life which is considered as a prerequisite for accountability. 

The RTI Act has been instrumental in bringing out cases of misuse of authority, embezzlement by civil servants, scams related to appointments in government services, among others. The act has been used to uncover corruption in a range of areas, including the allocation of government contracts, housing, and ration food, leading to the prosecution of corrupt officials and the improvement of government practices. (The RTI Act and relevant case studies are discussed in detail in the chapter on Transparency)

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an autonomous and independent body in India established to promote integrity and accountability in the government and its administrative bodies. The primary role of the CVC is to receive and examine complaints of corruption and misconduct in the Central Government, including complaints against civil servants. The CVC can initiate investigations into these complaints, either on its own initiative or based on a referral from another agency such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CVC plays a critical role in ensuring administrative accountability in India by performing the following functions:

• Prevention of Corruption: The CVC is responsible for preventing corruption and misconduct in the government and its administrative bodies. The CVC conducts investigations and makes recommendations to the government on measures to prevent corruption and misconduct.
• Monitoring Compliance: The CVC monitors the compliance of government departments and agencies with anti-corruption measures and makes recommendations for improvement where necessary.
• Advising the Government: The CVC provides advice to the government on matters related to corruption and misconduct, and makes recommendations for measures to prevent and address these issues.
• Supervision of Investigations: The CVC supervises investigations conducted by the CBI into corruption and misconduct cases, and provides guidance and support to the CBI in these investigations.
• Disciplinary Actions: The CVC can take disciplinary action against officials found to have engaged in corruption or misconduct, including termination of employment or prosecution.
• Training: The CVC provides training to public servants on matters related to integrity and probity in administration. The CVC also conducts workshops and seminars aimed at creating awareness about corruption and promoting transparency in the bureaucracy.
• Public Education: The CVC also plays an important role in educating the public about corruption and its effects, and provides information on how to report instances of corruption and misconduct.

As per the annual report 2021 of the CVC, it sanctioned prosecution of  248 officers working for the government of India. The CVC has been instrumental in promoting integrity, accountability and transparency in the working of civil servants.