As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, we remember not just the milestones of freedom but also the extraordinary efforts that went into shaping the nation thereafter. Among the key architects of our republic were the civil servants — the administrators, planners, and implementers who ensured that the ideals of Independence were translated into action across every corner of the country.
From the first day of freedom, these IAS officers and their counterparts across the services have been instrumental in building systems, maintaining stability, and enabling progress. Their work has often remained behind the scenes, but their impact is deeply woven into the story of India’s growth. This is the legacy of the makers of modern India in administration.
The Legacy of Civil Services in India
The roots of the Indian civil service go back over two centuries. The British East India Company, while expanding its territories, needed an organised administrative structure and thus established the Covenanted Civil Service (CCS).
- Pre-1855: Appointments were made directly by Company directors, often based on patronage.
- 1855 onwards: Competitive examinations introduced in London by the Civil Service Commission. The syllabus, dominated by European classics, made it extremely difficult for Indians to compete.
Pioneering Indian Entry into the ICS
In 1864, Satyendra Nath Tagore became the first Indian to join the Indian Civil Service (ICS). His achievement inspired future generations to aspire for a place in administration. By 1883, there were still only 12 Indians in service; by 1915, this number had grown to 63 — a small but significant presence in a predominantly European cadre.
A Turning Point: Exams Held in India
In 1922, a landmark change took place — ICS examinations were conducted in India, with Allahabad as the first centre, followed later by Delhi. This widened access for Indian candidates, leading to more successful entries into the service.
One of the most notable successes was Subhash Chandra Bose in the 1920 batch. Although he later resigned to join the freedom struggle, his achievement showed that Indian candidates could match the highest standards of administration.
On the Eve of Independence
In 1947, the ICS was the central administrative backbone, with 980 officers:
- 468 Europeans
- 352 Hindus
- 101 Muslims
- 25 Indian Christians
- 13 Parsis
- 10 Sikhs
With Partition, the service was divided between India and Pakistan. India created the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), while Pakistan formed the Pakistan Administrative Service.
The Vision for All India Services
India’s leaders at the time understood the necessity of a unified, efficient administrative system. The All India Services, including the IAS, were entrusted with maintaining national unity, implementing policy, and acting as a bridge between the Centre and the states. They became a symbol of continuity and professionalism at a time of immense change.
Diverse Roles in Nation-Building
Post-Independence, public servants took on responsibilities across a broad spectrum:
- Central Government: Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, policy formulation, national project coordination.
- Judiciary: District and High Court judges ensuring justice delivery.
- State and District Administration: District Collectors, Assistant Commissioners, development officers managing day-to-day governance.
Their work ranged from planning large-scale irrigation projects to responding to disasters, from organising national censuses to overseeing law and order in times of crisis.
From ICS to IAS – A New Chapter
After 1947, most European officers departed. Some, like JPL Gwynn, served for years in independent India before retiring. The last ICS officer, Nirmal Kumar Mukherjee, retired as Cabinet Secretary in 1980, marking the complete transition to the IAS and other Indian services.
1951–52: The First General Election – A Defining Achievement
One of the finest hours of the civil service came during the first general election in 1951–52. Under the leadership of Sukumar Sen, an ICS officer and India’s first Chief Election Commissioner, the country undertook what was then the largest democratic exercise in the world.
Key facts from the first election:
- 85% of the population was illiterate, leading to the adoption of voting symbols still in use today.
- 1,600+ registration officers prepared voter lists.
- 1,200+ returning officers, mostly Commissioners and Collectors, managed nominations and counting.
- 1.32 lakh presiding officers, all government employees earning at least ₹60 per month; teachers were called in where needed.
- 3 lakh police personnel provided security.
The election’s smooth execution established India’s democratic credentials globally and set the precedent for all future polls.
Contributions Beyond the Headlines
While the first election remains a landmark, IAS officers and other civil servants have quietly shaped countless aspects of national life:
- Establishing the framework for land reforms.
- Coordinating national health campaigns like smallpox eradication.
- Overseeing infrastructure projects like the Bhakra Nangal Dam.
- Managing rehabilitation after Partition and during natural disasters.
These were not isolated achievements — they formed the backbone of a resilient and adaptable state machinery.
Changing Perceptions and Continuing Importance
In recent decades, the term “bureaucracy” has sometimes been criticised for inefficiency or delays. However, it’s important to remember that the civil service has evolved alongside India itself. Today’s officers work in complex policy environments, balancing traditional administrative duties with modern demands such as digital governance, climate adaptation, and public-private partnerships.
Honouring the Makers of Modern India
As we mark the 79th Independence Day, it is a moment to reflect on the silent, consistent service of those who have worked to keep the wheels of governance turning. The civil servants — from the earliest ICS pioneers to the present-day IAS officers — have been crucial in transforming the aspirations of Independence into tangible progress.
Their contribution is not measured only in policy documents or government orders, but in the lived reality of a functioning, stable, and forward-moving India. They truly deserve a place among the makers of modern India.
This Independence Day, let us celebrate not just freedom itself, but also the enduring commitment of those who have safeguarded it through their service.