Explain the following statements with reasons.

(1) Reservation policy is followed even in civil services.

Indian society is characterised with social inequalities. Many backward sections of the society lag behind the general section of society on various socio-economic indicators. To ensure level playing field, backward sections of the society like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Women, Backward Castes, specially-abled etc. are provided with reservation in the recruitment of civil services.

(2) It is necessary for civil servants to be politically neutral.

Civil servants are expected to work impartially regardless of the political party in power. New party forming the government will trust the bureaucracy with non-partisanship, thus, fostering mutual trust enabling both to work together for the public interest. Quality of political neutrality for civil servants becomes more important during elections. It ensures positive perception in public regarding the conduct of elections in a free and fair manner.