Given below are two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and other as Reason (R):

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

Assertion (A): In a democracy, the civil service has to modify its behaviour and style of functioning to complement the needs of democracy.

Reason (R): The establishment of the Panchayati Raj institutions on a country-wide basis and the transfer of some of the traditional functions ofthe civil service system to these newly established institutions constitute a new policy trend in the civil service system.

Correct option is B

Assertion is true as :-

• In a democratic system, the civil service plays a crucial role in implementing policies, ensuring good governance, and being responsive to the needs of the people.
• Unlike in authoritarian regimes where bureaucracy functions rigidly, in a democracy, the civil service must adapt its style of working to align with democratic principles like decentralization, transparency, and people’s participation.
• This means shifting from a hierarchical and rule-based administration to a more flexible, participatory, and citizen-oriented service.

Reason is also true:-

• Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) were introduced through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which decentralized governance by transferring power to local self-governing bodies.
• Before PRIs, many local development tasks such as rural development, primary education, health services, and resource distribution were handled by the civil service.
• With PRIs taking over these functions, the civil service had to adjust its role from direct control to facilitating and supporting local governance.

However, Reason (R) does not directly explain Assertion (A). While the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions is a significant development, it is not the primary reason why the civil service must modify its behavior in a democracy. The need for adaptation in the civil service stems from broader democratic principles, not just the decentralization of power to local institutions.