Civil Service and Local Government: Cadres, Recruitment and Decentralised Governance
Civil service architecture
Understand the cadre system, the distinction between generalist and specialist cadres, and the role of the Public Service Commission in competitive recruitment. Know the concepts of seniority, promotion, deputation, and the constitutional protections for civil servants regarding dismissal (Article 135 and related service protections). Understand the difference between the secretariat and the field administration and the role of the deputy commissioner as coordinator.
Local government tiers
Know the structure: union parishad (lowest rural tier), upazila parishad (intermediate), zila parishad (district), and urban bodies including city corporations and municipalities. Understand the constitutional basis of local government (Article 59 and 60), the concept of fiscal decentralisation, and the difference between elected and appointed local bodies.
Decentralisation concepts
Master devolution (transfer of authority to elected bodies), delegation (assignment of functions), deconcentration (relocation of central offices), and privatisation. Understand the importance of local revenue generation and participatory budgeting.
Traps
Do not confuse the upazila parishad with the union parishad in terms of functions and chairperson roles. Do not claim local bodies have full fiscal autonomy; they remain dependent on transfers. Distinguish the district administration (central field office) from the zila parishad (local body).
Worked rule of thumb
For any local government question, use the 'three T' test: Tier (which level?), Task (which function?), and Transfer (which resources?). A body without resources cannot deliver functions, which is the central examinable insight.
Exam technique
Map each function to the correct tier. When discussing reform, mention both elected representation and administrative capacity.