CHALLENGES IN SERVICE MATTERS
KEY CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RIGHT TO PUBLIC
SERVICES IN INDIA
• CORRUPTION:
Corruption makes it hard to deliver services properly. Government officers may ask for bribes to give services
quickly. For example, people might be asked to pay extra money when applying for things like passports or
driving licences.
• INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICITS / UNDERFUNDING:
There is often not enough money or proper facilities to run public services well. This includes a lack of staff,
buildings, or equipment. For example, many government schools are overcrowded and don’t even have enough
classrooms or clean toilets.
• RED TAPE AND BUREAUCRACY / BUREAUCRATIC INEFFICIENCY:
Too many rules and long official steps slow down service delivery. For example, if someone wants to start a
business, they may need to get many approvals, which takes a lot of time and effort.
• CAPACITY BUILDING:
Many government workers don’t get enough training or skill development, which affects their work quality. For
example, police officers who are not well-trained may not know how to handle serious crimes properly.
• POLITICAL INTERFERENCE:
Sometimes politicians interfere with how services are given. They may try to use these services to help their
supporters or for personal gain. This often leads to unfair distribution and favoritism.
• DIGITAL DIVIDE:
Many people, especially in villages or poor areas, don’t have access to the internet or digital devices. This
makes it hard for them to use online services like applying for schemes or certificates.
• SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION:
People may be treated unfairly because of their caste, gender, religion, or economic status. This stops them from
getting equal access to public services.
• LOW WAGES AND BURNOUT:
Many government employees, especially at the lower levels, are paid very little. This affects their motivation to
work well. Along with this, they often have to work long hours without enough support, which leads to stress
and burnout. When workers are tired and unhappy, the quality of service naturally goes down.
• LACK OF RECOGNITION:
Even when public service workers do a good job, they are rarely appreciated or rewarded. This lack of
recognition can make them feel unimportant and lower their enthusiasm. As a result, they may not put in their
best effort while delivering services to the public.
Despite this, millions continue to serve due to their commitment to building a better world.
EMERGING TRENDS AND CHALLENGES
(A) Changing Nature of Employment Relationships
• Rise of gig and contract work: The Indian workforce is shifting from traditional employer-employee
setups to gig economy and contract-based roles.
• Legal ambiguity: These new models often lack clear legal classification, leaving both employers and
workers without clear rights or protections.
• Issues faced: Gig and contract workers typically lack:
o Social security
o Minimum wage protection
o Legal remedies in case of disputes
• Need for reforms:
o Recognition of gig and contract workers’ legal status
o Inclusion in social security and labor protections
• Recent measures:
o Code on Social Security, 2020: Recognizes gig workers and provides them with access to social
benefits.
o Code on Wages, 2019: Ensures minimum wage and other protections for contract workers.
• Judicial support:
o In NASSCOM v. Union of India, the Supreme Court recognized gig workers as "workmen"
under the Industrial Disputes Act, granting them protection under labor laws.
(B) Technological Advancements and Its Implications
• Impact of technology:
o Rise of remote work, platform-based work, and digital monitoring.
o Challenges for traditional service laws in regulating these new models.
• New legal frameworks:
o Code on Social Security, 2020: Social security for new-age workers.
o Code on Wages, 2019: Fair wages and working hour regulations.
o Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (amended): Dispute resolution via labor courts and conciliators.
• Privacy and data protection:
o Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019: Aims to protect workers’ personal data and provide them
rights like access, information, and erasure.
(C) Ensuring Gender Equality and Preventing Discrimination
• Legal protections:
o Article 14 & 15 of the Constitution: Right to equality and protection from discrimination.
o Equal Remuneration Act, 1976: Equal pay for equal work regardless of gender.
o Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013: Legal structure for complaint redressal.
o Maternity Benefit Act, 1961: Paid maternity leave and related benefits.
o Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948: Health and social protection for women.
• Judicial milestone:
o Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan: Supreme Court declared sexual harassment as a violation of
fundamental rights and issued binding guidelines.
• Challenges remain:
o Wage gaps, promotion biases, and cultural barriers.
o Weak enforcement and lingering patriarchy hinder full gender equality.