Correct Option
Lord Cornwallis (1786-1793) is widely regarded as the "Father of the Indian Civil Service" for his pivotal role in establishing and professionalizing the Covenanted Civil Service (CCS) in India. This service later evolved into the Indian Civil Service (ICS).
His reforms aimed at reducing corruption and enhancing the efficiency of the British administration. He significantly increased the salaries of civil servants, prohibited private trade by Company officials, and introduced a strict code of conduct. The Cornwallis Code of 1793 further institutionalized these measures, clearly defining the powers and responsibilities of officials and separating revenue collection from judicial functions.
Incorrect Options
Warren Hastings (1772-1785): He laid the foundational administrative structure for British rule in India, particularly in revenue and judicial systems. However, he did not create a structured, professionalized civil service system akin to the Covenanted Civil Service.
Lord Wellesley (1798-1805): His tenure was primarily focused on military expansion and the implementation of the Subsidiary Alliance system to consolidate British power. While he established Fort William College for the training of civil servants, he did not originate the civil service itself.
Lord William Bentinck (1828-1835): Known for his significant social and administrative reforms, such as the abolition of Sati and the suppression of Thuggee. He reformed and streamlined the existing administrative machinery but was not the creator of the Covenanted Civil Service.