Second Administrative Reforms Commission

Background and evolution

The First Administrative Reforms Commission, set up in 1966 and first chaired by Morarji Desai and later by K. Hanumanthaiya, produced 20 reports and is best remembered for proposing ombudsmen called the Lokpal and Lokayuktas. By the early 2000s, economic liberalisation, the spread of technology, a rights-based approach to welfare and demands for transparency had changed what citizens expected from government. The Second ARC was created to prepare a "detailed blueprint for revamping the public administration system".

M. Veerappa Moily chaired the commission at the start; V. Ramachandran later headed it after Moily left to contest elections. Its approach was to look at administration from the citizen's point of view and to cover every level, from the Union government to districts and local bodies.

Key features and provisions

• Reports: (1) Right to Information; (2) Unlocking Human Capital, using the rural employment guarantee as a case study; (3) Crisis Management; (4) Ethics in Governance; (5) Public Order; (6) Local Governance; (7) Capacity Building for Conflict Resolution; (8) Combating Terrorism; (9) Social Capital; (10) Refurbishing of Personnel Administration; (11) Promoting e-Governance; (12) Citizen Centric Administration; (13) Organisational Structure of the Government of India; (14) Strengthening Financial Management Systems; (15) State and District Administration.
• Ethics: proposed a code of ethics for ministers, legislators and civil servants, a constitutionally backed national ombudsman, faster prosecution of corruption, and confiscation of illegally acquired property.
• Personnel: suggested a mid-career review of civil servants, domain specialisation, lateral entry at senior levels and performance agreements.
• Citizen focus: pushed citizens' charters, grievance redress, single-window services and the Sevottam model of service delivery.
• Local governance: urged real devolution of functions, funds and functionaries to panchayats and municipalities.