- Debates on creating an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) have gained attention, as experts argue India needs a dedicated cadre of scientists in governance to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in areas like climate, health, and technology — an important theme frequently discussed in UPSC coaching in Hyderabad.
Current Situation
- India’s governance relies mainly on generalist civil services.
- Scientists in government are bound by civil service rules (1964), designed for administrators, not scientific work.
- This limits their ability to provide independent, long-term scientific input.
Global Practices
- Countries like France, Germany, Japan, UK, USA have scientific cadres with tailored service rules.
- Example: U.S. Scientific Integrity Policies protect scientists from political interference and ensure transparency.
Need for ISS in India
- India faces complex challenges: climate change, environment, public health, disaster management, nuclear safety, AI, biotechnology, space science.
- Without a scientific framework, India risks weak long-term policies.
- ISS would ensure scientific evidence complements administrative efficiency — a governance reform dimension analysed in IAS coaching in Hyderabad.
Proposed Framework
- ISS could be a permanent all-India scientific cadre, recruited through national-level selection and peer evaluation.
- Scientists placed in ministries and regulatory bodies as integral decision-makers.
- Possible specialised services:
- Indian Environmental & Ecological Service
- Indian Climate & Atmospheric Service
- Indian Marine & Ocean Service
- Indian Public Health & Biomedical Service
- Indian Disaster Risk & Resilience Service
- Indian Energy & Resources Service
- Indian Agricultural & Food Systems Service
- Indian Science & Technology Policy Service.
Challenges
- Scientific advice is often reactive (for legal cases or crises) rather than continuous.
- Lack of structured training, career progression, and safeguards for scientists in government.
- Inputs remain advisory, not formally integrated into decision-making — an issue often debated in UPSC online coaching discussions on administrative reforms.
Conclusion
The creation of an Indian Scientific Service would be a forward-looking reform, ensuring science is not just advisory but a core pillar of governance. By integrating scientific expertise with administrative systems, India can strengthen policy credibility, resilience, and global leadership in tackling future challenges.
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