Ever wondered what the life of an IAS Officer is like? Or rather, what are the challenges faced by them. Well, to give a hint – it is not all bed and roses. But also not a bed of thorns either. That being said, the civil service exam opens the door to a world of exciting possibilities.
Rare are the kind of jobs that offer a scope of challenges, a variety of field jobs and the opportunity to formulate policies which will play a role in the development of the country.
That being said, we will instead focus on the challenges that IAS Officers face once they pass the Civil Services Exam.
It is important to understand the government system in India and your place in the system before you join the system. Hence, this article will give a glimpse into the challenges faced by newly-minted IAS Officers.
List of Challenges for IAS Officers
1. Interference by politicians: At the regional level, an IAS Officer works in tandem with the MPs and MLAs of the region. They are tasked with bringing changes which will bring all-round development of the people. But the challenge here will be the dispute between the IAS Officer and the designated MP/MLA.
The reasons can be:
- Difference in opinion
- Corruption
- Lack of cooperation
- Use of public office for unlawful means
This level of political interference will lead to inefficiency, where the vital position held by the officers can lead to a terminal decline in the institutions.
2. Constant transfers: An IAS Officer will be subject to a transfer every month and year. Whether they are on their own or politically-motivated is a different debate altogether. The transfers can happen at any time to anywhere. The problem is exacerbated if the partner of the IAS officer concerned is working in one place and cannot change their job often. The fact that it will affect the family is an understatement.
3. Constant stress: Managing an entire district and its people is not a cakewalk. It is said that the management of people is the most difficult science but the easiest art. As an IAS Officer, one must be ready to collaborate with legislators, authorities and common folks. Thus, they are likely to face great anxiety and stress. This stress is likely to increase as the officer climbs the ranks.
4. Lack of recognition: When one works in the Civil Services, more than praise, one can expect curses more. That being said, one cannot expect to achieve anything without cooperation from the people working under the IAS Officer and the goodwill of the people. It may also not be necessary that the officer will get the praise they deserve.
5. Corruption: With great powers come great responsibility. So does the scope for corruption. It is only human nature to be tempted with the kind of powers an IAS Officer rank will hold.
In fact, there are some who join with the sole purpose of making a profit instead of serving the nation. The motives may vary from individual to individual. But it is what it is.
There will be some officers with their integrity intact who will raise their voices against this form of corruption, but they may face adverse consequences themselves as a result.
The overall condition in our governance system is unpleasant. At first glance, it would seem that not very many are morally good.
But, it may not necessarily be the case. One can find all kinds of people no matter the place, service or time. That being said, it is up to the individual concerned to uphold the highest standards of an IAS Officer.
