Why Doing Their Jobs Makes Some Indian Civil Servants Unlikely Heroes

In India, a small number of civil servants achieve public recognition for diligently performing their duties, a stark contrast to the common perception of bureaucratic inefficiency. Tukaram Mundhe, the commissioner of Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration, has garnered significant attention for leading enforcement drives against food businesses, uncovering issues like pest infestations and poor hygiene. He has also highlighted discrepancies between hospital costs for medical supplies and patient charges. These actions have made Mundhe a social media figure, with many citizens expressing a wish for similar officials in their regions.

This phenomenon is not unique to Mundhe. In Gurugram, district town planner RS Batth has been praised for his actions against illegal construction. The public enthusiasm for these officials stems from widespread experiences of delays, bureaucratic hurdles, and perceived indifference within government services. Kamal Kant Jaswal, a retired civil servant, notes that what should be normal, efficient governance has become exceptional in the eyes of many citizens.

Historically, several Indian officials have gained prominence for their adherence to rules. TN Seshan became well-known as chief election commissioner in the 1990s for his strict enforcement. Kiran Bedi, an early female officer in the Indian Police Service, was recognized for tackling illegal parking, including that of a prime ministerial car. Ashok Khemka gained national attention for intervening in a controversial land deal, and police officer Neeraj Jadaun was commended for confronting a mob during deadly religious violence in Delhi.

While these officers become symbols of honesty, Jaswal points out that thousands of civil servants perform their jobs effectively without public fanfare, often in roles with less direct public interaction. For many citizens, interacting with government offices remains a frustrating experience, with processes that can drag on for months without resolution.

However, officials who rigorously enforce rules can also face criticism for being inflexible or ignoring ground realities. Mundhe has faced pushback from the food and hospitality industry, though he maintains his actions are evidence-based. Batth has also drawn criticism for his enforcement against encroachments, with some alleging selective action that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Officials argue their actions are guided by town-planning regulations.

The tension between legal statutes and economic realities is evident when, for instance, a street vendor's stall is illegal but represents a family's sole income. Unsanctioned housing can be a necessity for migrants seeking shelter in cities, creating a conflict between enforcement and social needs.

Civil servants themselves face challenges, including political pressure and the risk of transfers if they refuse to comply with improper demands. Pushpa Sundar, a former civil servant, emphasizes the need for strong institutional support for officers who act independently. Jaswal recalled turning down demands from a minister during an election campaign, which led to his transfer shortly after, despite receiving a send-off from locals.

Social media has amplified the reach of these officials' actions. Videos of inspections or enforcement drives can go viral within hours, turning routine work into a widely discussed event. Mundhe himself stated his actions are driven by public health concerns and that businesses following rules have nothing to fear, emphasizing that his job is simply to enforce existing regulations.

The public fascination with these officials highlights a broader sentiment: when basic governmental functions are performed visibly and consistently, they can appear extraordinary in a context where citizens have come to expect the opposite.