Terming the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) as a remnant of Indian Civil Service (ICS) of the erstwhile British rule, Joint General Secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Dattatreya Hosabale has stressed upon the need for bringing about systemic changes in the IAS.
Speaking at the inauguration of Samutkarsh Trust, which plans to take up nation building through the IAS, here last week, Mr. Hosabale said that the ICS was designed by the British according to their preferences and they behaved like rulers.
“However, the IAS officers of the present day are not the rulers. They are public servants and should initiate steps like one,” he said.
Refraining from making a sweeping comment against IAS officers, Mr. Hosabale said that there were several honest and efficient officials who wanted to bring changes and serve the people but the system was not allowing them to work.
“Consequently, several such officials chose to quit the system and set up their own non-governmental organisations to implement their ideas,” he said.
He said that despite several amendments and laws, the system still did not allow many officials with honest intentions to work and there was a need for changing the system to bring about more transparency and efficiency.
“Nation building and nationalism are interlinked. It is said that government’s work is God’s work. We need the same commitment, involvement and devotion one has while doing a puja, when one discharges responsibilities as a government servant,” he said.
Decolonisation needed
Highlighting the need for change, Mr. Hosabale said that there was need for decolonising the minds of Indians. Efforts are required to free the people and officials from intellectual slavery.
Changes in the system are essential to facilitate nation building initiatives, Mr. Hosabale said.
Santosh Taneja, president of Sankalp, New Delhi, which coaches civil service aspirants, which will be extending its activities in Hubballi through Samutkarsh, briefed about the initiative. Chairman of Samutkarsh Trust Kranthi Kiran was present.
IAS officers are public servants and they should take steps like one,
says RSS leader
