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In his address to the first batch of IAS observers at Metcalfe House in Delhi on 21 April 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel envisioned a new era for India and for those who chose to become part of the civil services. Emphasizing the difference between the Indian civil service under colonial rule and the changing role it would play in an independent India, he urged observers to be guided by the “true spirit of service” and to adapt to a democratic form of government – looking to themselves. As one with the common people of the country.
Patel’s ideals for the civil service in an independent India are enshrined in the All India Code of Conduct for Service which specifies the values an officer must inculcate. These include high ethical standards, integrity and honesty, political neutrality, promotion of principles of meritocracy, fairness and impartiality, accountability and transparency, and responsiveness to the public, particularly those of the most vulnerable groups in society. In fact, a civil servant, especially an IAS officer, cannot contribute meaningfully to state building without embodying the above principles.
IAS staff spend years implementing policies and interacting with multiple stakeholders. This prepares one for life as a policy maker later in one’s career. A civil servant can chart the course of development in India only through easy accessibility and fostering a sense of identification with the citizens.
As a first-generation civil servant, my ideas about service, like everyone else’s, were shaped by conversations with family that emphasized the status associated with exam clearance and the ability to effect change. The news and my family alike have often drawn attention to the contributions of officers who have revolutionized the lives of so many people as well as cases of alleged misconduct in professional and personal lives.
Social media has served, as might be expected in a post-truth world, fantasies of a luxurious life filled with an avalanche of cars and an entourage of employees. But the reality is different. After my oath of office on October 12, 2020, I had new insights into what an “IAS Officer Force” would look like. From ensuring government schemes are handed over at last to managing disasters and law and order, the dimensions and variety in the areas in which an officer can exercise his authority, have me down. Suddenly, the iconic line from Spider-Man — “With great strength comes great responsibility” — had personal resonance.
When I joined Kadiri for provincial training, the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was rearing its ugly head across the country. I’ve watched the district manage oxygen supplies and hospital beds, in both government and private healthcare facilities, using scarce resources wisely to save lives. Through discussions with my colleagues, I discovered that civil servants across various levels, from subdivisions to regions to states and the center, were uniting. They were using their power – within the limits of the law – to mitigate the effects of the epidemic, as some of them lost their lives in the line of duty. This was one of the first brushes between me and the “power” of a civil servant.
As a Sub-Circuit Judge, I oversaw NHAI’s land acquisition for the upcoming highway. During a field visit to understand the delays on land, a farmer came to me and told me of some of the demands of those whose land had been acquired. I realized that their rights and interests could only be protected by the exercise of my authority as collector of land. It became clear to me that we, as employees, have a responsibility to defend citizens and defend their causes. Herein lies our true strength.
We, the civil servants, are fortunate to inherit the rich legacy of the unsung heroes who played a pivotal role in shaping modern India. In the name of luminaries like SR Sankaran, known as the people’s officer, who fought tirelessly against manual rubbish, and Anna Rajam Malhotra, who broke down barriers in government service, we carry the torch forward. Our strength lies in making meaningful contributions to every aspect of governance, without seeking personal recognition.
The clerk is a Sub-District Magistrate, Government of Punjab
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