Meaning
- Political interference happens when decisions related to government jobs (appointments, promotions, postings, etc.) are not made purely on merit, rules, or performance, but under pressure or influence from politicians.
Recruitment & Selection
- By law, government job recruitment in India is handled by constitutional/statutory bodies like UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, RRBs, etc.
- MPs/MLAs have no legal authority to influence selection. If they try, it counts as political interference and is illegal.
- Courts (including the Supreme Court) have repeatedly struck down appointments made under political pressure.
Transfers & Postings
- In many states, MPs/MLAs recommend transfers or postings of teachers, police officers, clerks, etc.
- While they have no official power, their recommendations often carry weight due to political influence on ministers or local bureaucrats.
- This is one of the most common areas of interference.
Promotions & Disciplinary Actions
- Service rules and Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) govern promotions.
- Political representatives should not interfere, but sometimes they exert informal pressure on departments.
Constitutional Safeguards
- Articles 14 & 16 of the Indian Constitution guarantee equality in public employment.
- Article 311 protects civil servants from arbitrary dismissal.
- Any interference by MPs/MLAs beyond their advisory role is unconstitutional and illegal.
Ethical Role of MPs/MLAs
- They can raise issues in Parliament/Assembly about unfair recruitment practices.
- They can recommend constituents for jobs through proper channels (like forwarding applications), but they cannot guarantee selection.
- Their role should be limited to oversight and grievance redressal, not interference.
Conclusion
- MPs/MLAs cannot legally interfere in recruitment, promotions, or service matters.
- They often influence transfers and postings, especially in states, but this is widely criticized as it undermines administrative neutrality.
- The Constitution and courts try to protect government jobs from political interference, but in practice, it still happens.
