CONTEXT: INDIA’S GLOBAL ROLE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

• India has been steadily increasing its footprint in global governance and administrative reforms.
• The latest achievement in this trajectory is winning the Presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the 2025–2028 term.
• This enhances India’s leadership profile in international administrative and public policy platforms.

CONCEPT: ABOUT IIAS (INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES)

• Founded: 1930, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
• Nature: A global federation focused on scientific research in public administration and governance.
• Membership:
  • 31 member countries,
  • 20 national sections,
  • 15 academic research centres.
• Function:
  • Promotes exchange of knowledge, innovation, and best practices in public administration.
  • Though not a UN body, it collaborates with the UN in administrative reforms and policy-making.

CURRENT: INDIA’S PRESIDENCY (2025–2028)

• Representation: India is a member since 1998, represented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
• Candidature:
  • V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, was nominated by PM Narendra Modi in November 2024.
  • The hearing took place in February 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Election:
  • Held on June 3, 2025.
  • Contenders: India, South Africa, Austria, Bahrain.
  • Final round between India and Austria.
  • India won with broad support across member nations.
• Significance:
  • Enhances India’s thought leadership in public governance.
  • Promotes Indian administrative models and innovations (e.g., Digital India, e-Governance).
  • Facilitates global collaborations and policy-shaping influence.