Which of the following committees laid down the British concept of Civil Service neutrality?

The correct answer is Masterman Committee.

Key Points

• The Masterman Committee laid down the concept of civil service neutrality in the British administration.
• It emphasized that civil servants should remain politically neutral and serve the government of the day, irrespective of its political ideology.
• The principle of neutrality ensures the continuity and professionalism of the civil service.
• The committee’s recommendations helped establish the core values of integrity, impartiality, and independence within the civil service.

Additional Information

• Fulton Committee: The Fulton Committee was established in the United Kingdom in 1966 to review and reform the British civil service structure. It recommended several changes, including the creation of a unified civil service and improved training programs.
• Sapru Committee: The Sapru Committee was formed in India during the 1940s to address constitutional reforms and provide suggestions for resolving communal tensions. It was not related to civil service neutrality.
• Northcote-Trevelyan Committee: This committee, formed in the 19th century, revolutionized the British civil service by introducing merit-based recruitment and competitive examinations. It laid the foundation for a professional and efficient civil service.