The Development of the Public Service Council Bureau in Iraq (1968–1979): A Historical and Documentary Study

Abstract

Iraq was the leading Arab country in establishing a Public Service Council, which initially appeared implicitly under the Civil Service Law No. 103 of 1931, under the title "Employee Selection Committee". It was later explicitly named under Law No. 55 of 1956, and its role further developed to constitute the final section of Law No. 24 of 1960.

The significance of this institution arose from the development of state institutions and the growing need for civil servants, as it was entrusted with regulating their affairs and selecting positions that aligned with their qualifications and academic credentials. Its operations were grounded in the principle of equal opportunity, both in terms of job selection and in supervising promotions and the equivalency of academic degrees.

The importance of this institution was underscored by its classification as one of the general administrative authorities, and its existence is considered a fundamental pillar of the modern state. Accordingly, this study focuses on highlighting the role of the institution through an examination of the relevant legal frameworks, the evolution of its administrative structures, and an analysis of the Council’s duties and responsibilities, as well as the financial allocations designated for it in the state’s general budget.

The state’s commitment to the Public Service Council Bureau was reflected in the substantial and steadily increasing financial allocations it received, as annual financial statistics indicate consistent growth in funding. This rise in budgetary allocations was accompanied by an increase in the number of the Bureau’s employees. Notably, the financial allocations for the years 1977–1979 marked a qualitative leap, driven by the state’s adoption of a new fiscal policy and the introduction of a revised expenditure classification, from which the Public Service Council Bureau benefitted significantly.

The advancement in salaries, allowances, and wages was directly reflected in the role undertaken by the Bureau, serving as evidence of the institution’s efforts and its contribution to the upward mobility of job grades across Iraqi ministries. This progression also signified the overall improvement in the status and professional development of state employees across all governmental institutions.