The Union Cabinet has given its approval to ‘Mission Karmayogi’, the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB). This programme is designed as a comprehensive post-recruitment reform of the Centre’s human resource development, which follows on from previous pre-recruitment changes structured by the National Recruitment Agency. The Mission Karmayogi aims to effectively shape the civil service for the future, building a cache of individuals who are innovative, progressive, professional, and efficient, with a forward-thinking approach.
Objectives and Purpose of Mission Karmayogi
The primary objective of this mission is to develop a future-ready civil service that embodies the right attitude, skills, and knowledge in alignment with the vision of New India. Its focus is to equip Indian civil servants with creativity, constructiveness, imaginative thinking, proactivity, innovativeness, energy, transparency, and technological adeptness. The goal of these capacity-building reforms at individual, institutional, and process levels is to improve public service delivery.
The Rational Behind Mission Karmayogi
The current state of bureaucracy presents several challenges which include rule orientation, political interference, inefficiency in promotions, and ongoing conflict between generalists and specialists. Mission Karmayogi has been launched to address these issues and transform the status quo of civil services.
Main Features of the Mission Karmayogi Scheme
The scheme relies heavily on technology, utilizing the iGOT Karmayogi digital platform to deliver capacity building by drawing heavily from globally successful practices. It aims to cover 46 lakh central government employees across all levels within five years at an expenditure of Rs. 510 crores.
Transitioning From Rules to Roles
The programme supports a transition from a “rules-based to roles-based” Human Resource Management system. Instead of adhering strictly to rules, work allocations will be made by matching an official’s competencies with the job requirements.
Integrated Initiative
In due course, service matters like confirmation post-probation period, deployment, work assignments and notification of vacancies will be integrated under this framework.
Governance Structure of NPCSCB
NPCSCB will be governed by the Prime Minister’s Human Resource Council, which will include state Chief Ministers, Union Cabinet ministers, and experts. Additionally, a Capacity Building Commission will also be established comprising experts in related fields and global professionals. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) shall govern iGOT-Karmayogi platform.
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
An appropriate monitoring and evaluation framework will also be put in place for performance evaluation of all users of the iGOT-Karmayogi platform so as to generate a dashboard view of Key Performance Indicators.
The ultimate goal of Mission Karmayogi is to ensure “Ease of Living” for the common man, “Ease of Doing Business” and improving citizen-centricity. The mission’s success hinges on ongoing and constructive involvement by the government and civil servants.