Meaning, Characteristics, and Functions of Civil Service

Civil Service is the administrative arm of the executiveThe executive, also referred to as the executive branch or executive power, is the term commonly used to describe that part of government which enforces the law and has overall responsibility... More organ of the government responsible for formulating and implementing government policies, programmes, and projects.

Civil Service is structured into Ministries and Departments, e.g. Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Education, with specific powers and functions to determine, plan and execute government policies, programmes and projects.

The Permanent Secretary (Director-General) is the Administrative Head and Accounting Officer of a Ministry, while the Minister is the Political Head and Chief Executive.

Characteristics of Civil Service:

The following are characteristics of the Civil Service:

(i) Political Neutrality: Civil Servants are politically neutral. Civil Servants cannot take part in partisan politics. Any Civil servant who wants to join politics and contest elections will have to resign from his or her appointment. Political neutrality is very essential as it ensures objectivity in civil service advice and service to the government. They discharge their duties efficiently without fear or favour.