the transition from the British-era Indian Civil Services (ICS) to the post-independence Indian Administrative Service (IAS) failed to bring the anticipated transformation.
The ICS, a tool of British colonial rule, wielded influence through permanence, pervasiveness, and penetration. The ICS, designed for exploitation, played a pivotal role in India’s colonization. Post-independence, India inherited the ICS’s legacy through the IAS, aiming for continuity but aspiring for change.
The IAS, once celebrated for integrity and public service, for falling short of expectations. IAS has evolved into a self-governing elite, wielding excessive autonomy and acting as a power center. The narrative blames politicians for corruption, often overlooking the complicit role of the IAS in systemic issues.
To realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India, There’s need for an immediate transformation of the IAS. The current structure is deemed outdated and stagnant, failing to meet contemporary needs. A dynamic cadre of public servants, embracing expert input, innovation, and collaboration with the public in policy-making.
A 50% lateral entry, encouraging officers from various services to bring innovation and creativity. A career progression test after ten years of service is proposed to weed out non-suitable candidates. Needs for dismantling the archaic IAS system, paving the way for a new era of responsive governance and collective growth.
By challenging the status quo and envisioning a revamped administrative framework, India can usher in an era of responsive governance and collective growth, breaking free from the cocoon of the existing IAS system.
