Realising Lohia’s vision among top posts
The article examines the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in top Indian bureaucratic posts, attributing it to structural barriers like inter-se seniority and age relaxation policies. It argues that these mechanisms create a 'lifetime deficit' for officers entering through affirmative action.
Why it matters
The discussion highlights systemic challenges in achieving equitable representation within high-level government administration.
October 12 marked the beginning of the 60th year since Ram Manohar Lohia’s passing . In his essay ‘The Meaning of Equality ’, Lohia writes, “Equality has not been stated comprehensively. Equality is perhaps as high an aim of life as truth or beauty, but the complete meaning of equality has not been adequately investigated in serenity”. Channelling that serenity, one should, at this point in history, examine the minuscule presence of marginalised sections in the highest echelons of bureaucracy, for apex posts such as Cabinet Secretary, IB Director, DG of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and Director General of Police (DGP)/Chief Secretaries of States, despite entry-level representation through affirmative action.
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