Hota, P.C creator text xu| 2011 continuing ng p.520-525 In the initial years of independence the political executive in India comprised persons of unimpeachable integrity and character who set very high standards in public life. But money and muscle power gradually dominated politics in subsequent years. Once the ship of the state started leaking from the top, it became progressively difficult to have an honest civil service. Politician-civil servant nexus, enormous growth of black money and distribution of 'cash for vots' in the elections of members of legislatures and the local self-governing units as the panchayats and the Zilla Parishads have taken corruption in public life to higher heights. Time has come for such reforms which can foster greater openness in decision making at higher levels, avoid delay in the government processes and protect thehonest civil servants. - Reproduced. Civil Service Corruption Indian Journal of Public Administration 180718