GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Context:

The transience of the notion of periodisation is likely to become more manifest as history goes on to explore other areas of research.

Triad's Provincial Roots

• Indigenous Concepts vs. European Triad: James Mill further distorted it in India, framing periods as Hindu, Muslim, and British, validating British rule as a rescuer from medieval darkness.
• Unequal Power Dynamics in Periodisation: European colonial expansion disseminated the triad globally, supplanting native historical notions. Jack Goody termed this phenomenon as "The Theft of History," exemplifying unequal power relations.
• Challenges to Periodisation: Periodisation, a human construct, faces challenges due to its transient nature. Late Antiquity, Early Medieval, and other qualifiers emerge, questioning the dichotomy of change and continuity.

Challenges to Dichotomous Notions

• Rethinking Modernity:The West's unilateral creation of the modern world is contested, fostering a shift towards acknowledging "modernities" shaped by diverse global contributions and historical contexts.
• Universal Contributions to Modern World: The modern world emerges as a cumulative outcome of contributions from all civilizations, challenging the Eurocentric narrative.
• Transitions: As history explores climate, planetary history, and questions traditional categories like pre-history, the notion of periodisation becomes less applicable.

Future Trajectory

• Exploring Interdisciplinary Avenues: Research in areas like archaeology and questioning pre-history indicates a departure from rigid temporal classifications, fostering a more nuanced and inclusive approach to understanding human history.
• The Call for Universal History: Historians advocate treating history as a universal entity with regions forming constituents, emphasizing the collective contributions of civilizations. This approach challenges the prevailing Eurocentric narrative and supports a more inclusive understanding of historical processes, moving away from the limitations of temporal categorizations.
• Future Trajectory of Historical Studies: As research explores climate, planetary history, and non-linear narratives, the predominant norm of periodisation may give way to a more dynamic and holistic approach to studying human history.

Context:

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) approves Chief Secretary's Delhi extension, sparking debates on bureaucratic continuity, legal frameworks, and retirement age policies.

Issues Rose:

• Legal Basis for Extensions: The Supreme Court's ruling highlights the legality of extending a Chief Secretary's term, emphasizing the absence of rule violations. Extensions are a prevalent practice, fostering continuity in administration, but the case also raises questions about the transparency and public perception of such decisions.
• Administrative Stability and Known Faces: Governments prefer extending tenures for experienced officers, ensuring familiarity with priorities and the ability to troubleshoot.
• Bureaucratic Dynamics in Delhi: In Delhi's case, the ongoing legal complexities, impending general elections, and the intricacies of the National Capital Territory Act contribute to the justifications for the Chief Secretary's extension, as ruled by the Supreme Court.

Legal Framework

• All-India Services Act and Extensions: The Supreme Court affirms that a six-month extension aligns with the Act, citing exigencies of work, particularly relevant in Delhi given impending elections.
• Formal Roles of Chief Secretary in Delhi: The Solicitor General's argument introduces a nuanced perspective, emphasizing the Chief Secretary's direct reporting to the Lieutenant Governor on crucial aspects.
• Intersection of Legal and Administrative Dimensions: The Supreme Court's involvement in what is traditionally an administrative matter raises questions about the judiciary's role in personnel decisions.

Broader Perspectives on Extensions

• Rethinking Retirement Age: The proposals for rethinking the retirement age, suggests an increase to at least 62 years or possibly 64.
• Implementation of FR 56(j): The government is encouraged to implement FR 56(j) more rigorously, facilitating the compulsory retirement of officers based on transparent benchmarks.
• Recognition of Excellence and Optics: While recognizing the need for recognizing excellent officers, the editorial questions whether extensions are the only means. It prompts further reflection on the optics and efficacy of such practices in maintaining bureaucratic efficiency and public trust.