Civil Services No Longer Exclusive to Elite: Dr. Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the democratization of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) at the Indian Express Next Gen Conclave – “Excellence in Governance Awards” held on Tuesday. He stated that the Civil Services, once considered exclusive to a privileged section of society, have now become more inclusive and representative of India’s diverse population.

Dr. Singh highlighted the evolution of governance since India’s independence in 1947, pointing out that the Indian Civil Services (ICS) of the British era has transformed into a system that prioritizes development over colonial-era revenue collection. He noted that the role of the District Collector has significantly changed, evolving into a “District Development Commissioner” who spearheads development projects and remains actively engaged with local communities.

He further remarked that the relationship between civil servants and the public has undergone a drastic shift. Unlike the past, where bureaucrats were perceived as distant from the people, today’s civil servants are more accessible. “Across India, citizens are freely voicing their concerns, demanding accountability, and engaging with administrators at the grassroots level,” he said, citing instances of public protests and discussions with officials as evidence of increased civic participation.

The minister also celebrated the growing representation of women in Civil Services, acknowledging their consistent top rankings in the UPSC examination and their increasing leadership roles. He credited this shift to India’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment, calling it a sign of progress in governance.

Dr. Singh underscored the importance of integrity, transparency, and ethical governance, urging civil servants to uphold honesty and accountability in their professional duties. He also spoke about the government’s initiative that allows IAS probationers to serve three-month stints as Assistant Secretaries in various ministries. This, he explained, provides young officers with first-hand experience in policymaking, enriching their understanding of national governance.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Singh addressed the growing trend of expensive coaching for Civil Services aspirants. He advised parents to reconsider investing large sums in private coaching institutes, highlighting that many successful candidates come from government schools like Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas and have cleared the exams without costly coaching.