Inspiring moments with President Kalam

 

Inspiring moments with President Kalam

There is a trend on social media about inspirational quotes, to motivate and guide people. But the meaning of such quotations can’t be understood without knowing the stores which shaped these words! We all are familiar with hundreds of quotes by the President Kalam which continue to inspire us all, but very few of us know the context!

My interactions with President Kalam on various occasions left an indelible mark on my personal and professional life. Many of his words inspired me in difficult times and kept me grounded on many occasions of success.

In 2006, I had the first opportunity to call on President Kalam as a part of Indian Forest Service probationers’ batch. Seated on his left during the interaction followed by the Question-Answer session there were many thoughts on my mind but not so confident, back then, I kept on waiting or mustering courage till the end of session, with a portable mic in my hand. Moments short of his closing remarks the President Kalam noticing my body language remarked that there were many questions from the probationers sitting on the right, so let’s have one last question from the left as well!!!

Many years later I released that President Kalam did not point towards me directly as sensing my nervousness he thought to keep it general to elicit my question! So my question was as follows:-

            “In Government system there are strict rules and guidelines. There may be real life situations where we feel that we are unable to solve the issue or help the people in view of specific norms, in absence of which the relief would have been due to benefit such people. What should be our approach towards such situations involving dilemma about the rules and real-life situation at variance”.

The response was not a bureaucratic set of words but reflective of a typical leader who inspires people with his words and real-life decision-making examples. The reply from President Kalam was:-

            “We made rules and forgot to reboot! The situation you mentioned would be an integral part of Civil Servants in their career, particularly while working in remote areas of the country. When you are faced with such a situation, sit back and think what will actually defeat the problem, following a rule or violating it? Or at the variance of the rule? The idea should be defeating a problem, not merely following a rule! In case the problem can be defeated by violating a rule, do that, make sure to do that, but at the same time write on file about your thought process, your observations and what led you to decide at variance of the rules to defeat the problem. Unless we do that, the problems won’t be defeated and rule won’t evolve”.

I was just over-awed to hear this from President Kalam. None less the President of India remaking in a public event to violate the rules to defeat the problem for public good, an act in good faith!!, came as such an inspiring event in life which always guided my career and at every possible occasion I have tried to share this with junior colleagues in the Civil Services.

My next question was about leadership in the Civil Services to which the president quoted an experience he encountered at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which he fondly recollected to cite as an example. It was about Prof Satish Dhawan. In 1979, SLV-3 Satellite Mission was to be launched and the media had been invited for the launch ceremony. A press conference was to follow after the launch.

Minutes after the launch the SLV-3 satellite crashed into the Bay of Bengal! The mission was led by Mr Kalam. The auditorium of the ISRO facility was packed with media, to its full capacity, moments before the crash! Mr Kalam was scheduled to address the press bout the launch of SLV-3 satellite mission, its salient features and benefits to the country. And then it crashed!

A nervous scientist Mr Kalam, feeling shattered and failed, was proceeding to the auditorium to address the media about the tragic loss and future efforts for course correction. At this moment when Mr Kalam just held the handle to door towards the dais, that Prof Satish Dhawan held him back and proceeded to address the press conference which was to be addressed by Mr Kalam! He faced the media and laid down a roadmap for re-launch of the mission. He faced the toughest questions and conveyed confidence to the country for a successful mission ahead. It was reassuring for everyone in the hall, and ofcourse the country through the media.

Back in office, Prof Dhawan offered tea to Mr Kalam and asked to return to the project after a quick break of few days. Months later the scene followed, it was once again launch of SLV-3 mission after which Prof Dhawan was scheduled to address the press conference. The launch was successful! Returning to the auditorium, Prof Dhawan asked Mr Kalam to go to the auditorium and address the press conference! Unbelievable!!

That’s a story of leadership. When a team member failed, you went ahead to own responsibility. When the same mission succeeded with your active supervision and support, you asked the frontline colleague to go and address the nation, instead of claiming the credit before media and the nation!  

This experience sharing by President Kalam again came as a life-changing experience! It still remains a principle in life. Credit must be given where it is due, to whom it is due!! Leadership is not about making announcements and taking credits, due and undue, it’s about inspiring your team, empowering them, making them feel respected and cared for. This multiplies the outcome of your efforts!! Still this remains very rare in the life around us.

On few other occasions I briefly had the opportunity of conversation with President Kalam and each moment came with a lifetime experience. Many innovations I was able to introduce are attributed to the motivating words of the people’s president which I will be sharing subsequently, how an Idea led to a change!

President Kalam continues to live among us not only through his contributions but also his words, thoughts and actions which inspire us every day to make positive contribution and difference to this world!

 

 [Based on personal interaction]

           

 

Resuming my blog

 Dear Friends, 

  I started my career in Civil Services as a member of Indian Forest Services, 2005, and later qualified the Civil Services Examination-2008 to join the Indian Administrative Service. The journey so far has been very exciting, more than satisfactory to say the least!! There have been moments full of hapiness, success, achievements, recognition, disappointment and failures as well! That's how life has to be. All these years meant a lot of learning and certainly a transformation in personal and professional life. 

In the begining of my career as an IAS officer I started with this blog to share my thoughts and engage on various issues. But soon abaondoned it given the professional commitments. Over last close to two years while my role in the government transformed from public administration to public policy, I also ventured into academics, reserach and other engagements. It offered my great exposure at national and international level. 

It is at this juncture that I have decided to resume my decade-old blog and communicate with youth and everyone around. I would be writing on my experiences and learnings, may be also on travel, hobbies and so on! Let this be a two-way experience, I look forward to hearing from you all about anything you would like me to share. 

PS: The contents of this blog are my personal experiences / point(s) of view and have no bearing or relation with my professional role or the organisation I work for.

On Class-X Marks

 https://www.indiatvnews.com/trending/news/ias-officer-class-10-marksheet-goes-viral-netizens-cant-believe-his-total-scores-2022-07-21-793879

Translating Literacy into Education & Employability

Translating Literacy into Education & Employability

Ban on private tuitions a challenge & opportunity for teachers.

by Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary

          We grew up in a remote village going to a single-room building housing the Primary School later upgraded to Middle standard where 2-3 teachers would deliver the task of nation building with classes run in open and a bad weather or little downpour would mean a holiday. The ecstasy of joining High School and Higher Secondary school was short-lived as it was marred by the pain of walking more than 8-10KM every day; some of us opted for moving to the town, some opted to work in fields and many dropped out for various reasons. The Higher Secondary located at the base of mighty Pir-Panchal ranges would be the hub of all activity - a dozen teachers, higher classes, aspiring students, small tea-stalls and shops coming up around. One thing kept us all going and motivated was a set of dedicated, committed, well-qualified and zealous teachers, many would were nightmares given the strictness and hard discipline.   

          Almost all the students were first generation literates, barring few wards of Government employees, and the only stake was on teachers. Crossing flooded rivulets or wilder areas would also appear as a part of the game. Most of the teachers were non-locals. Some would teach the students in evening in turn of rent-free accommodation. Years later we were doctors, engineers, IAS, police officers, teachers, businessmen and in many other professions. When I look back, in 17 years after we passed out of Higher secondary school things have changed -- massive infrastructure under Sarva Shiksha Abhyan, Rashtrya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhyan, State Schemes, Model Schools, Modernisation of laboratories and libraries, IT Education and so on. The human resource viz-a-viz teaching faculty has also seen massive surge with state having nearly 1.25Lakh teachers i.e. more than 100% increase. Right to Education and material support for education too have continued to improve over a period of time.

          One thing has certainly deteriorated which needs to be explained by us all-administrators, teachers, students, parents and all stakeholder--is poor educational standards, bad results, weak teaching-learning process and visible lack of that commitment and zeal, with many exceptions though. During same period the commercialisation of education also ran parallel not only in state but entire country apart from expansion of educational institutions. J&K has more than 95 Govt colleges, 142 Private colleges, 750 Govt and private higher secondary schools and around 25,000 schools. More than 2250 small and medium coaching centres are running active in addition to 2 dozen odd competitive coaching centres. Mushrooming of BEd and ETT colleges on commercial lines nevertheless was an eye-opener.

          Education system in state has evolved on many fronts but likewise many concerns and issues cropped up which are seen as ailing the nation building profession. Respect, honour, status, position of any profession cannot be granted by Govt orders or granted by statues but it is earned through sweat and blood. There are still hundreds of teachers in villages and hinterland working with selfless dedication which makes it possible for us to see brighter students, professionals, experts and toppers in various fields emerging from places unheard of. Commercialisation of education and deteriorating educational standards have driven the recent policy changes and even prompting the Courts to intervene for streamlining the teaching-learning system at various levels.

          The recent order prohibiting Government teachers from taking any other assignment including tuitions and coaching without prior permission has been called into controversy in some quarters without much consideration. Such a directive has come after 12 years of executive process started with ban on tuition in 2005 and judicial scrutiny at the level of High Court followed by the matter landing up in Supreme Court. The matter has now been settled by supreme court. Private assignments can't be taken up by Government servants is a settled law.

          Service rules are an agreement between the employer and employees which is a universal truth. All public servants are governed by notified Service Rules and Conduct Rules. Even an IAS or All India Service Officer is not allowed to take up any other assignment than such responsibilities entrusted upon him by the government. S/he has to seek prior permission for even being a member of trust or society to say the least. Every other thing remains under regulated scrutiny be it accepting a gift, earning some money, purchasing/disposing a property. One has the option of going on sabbatical or seeking leave for pursuing permitted job options. Likewise, no profession is expected to work in conflict of interest. A government teacher employed in a school running a Coaching centre could be seen like an SDM dealing in real-estate by facilitating land sale-purchase or a Cop mediating in crimes after duty hours. Banning private tuitions / coaching by govt teachers may not do wonders but it is one among much needed structural reforms for recovering our education system. Next could be relieving them from duties like that of Booth Level Officer, Election staff, Census Duty, SSA-Mid day meal, school & toilet constructions and so on which are a great detriment to quality education. Teacher training with continued skill upgradation and capability building needs to be added. Further, permission could be accorded through a devised mechanism for allowing private tuitions during vacations where such special arrangements are not made by government. The "permission" clause in the order banning private assignments makes a case for regulated permissions.

         

          In J&K, as per 1981 Census population of 43.91 Lakh out of 59.87 Lakh was illiterate representing 63.71% Male Illiterates and 73.33% Female Illiterates. There were only 6200 graduates in state. In that generation we find eminent doctors, researchers, civil servants, journalists, leaders, writers, teachers, artists and so on. In next two decades literacy increased from 26.66% to 55.50%. Between 2001 to 2011 it rose to 77.12% with a quantum jump of 22% and projected estimates of 2016 have the literacy of state pegged at nearly 84.5%.

          This literacy has not been translated into education or employable education which is a serious cause of concern. The official definition of literacy since 1991 is "the total percentage of the population of an area at a particular time aged seven years or above who can read and write with understanding"- which doesn't entail a bare minimum educational qualification. The statistics beyond this are disturbing. There are only 8.5% graduates in India and several reports suggest nearly 60% of them are not fit for hiring. The demographic dividend at the turn of century when 65% of population between age 15-35 years was seen as country's strength could not be harnessed in that quantum prompting the Governments to lay special focus on skill development and employability.

          We still find several graduates, post-graduates and professional degree holders appearing for posts notified for Matriculates under Class IV or contractual categorisations. It is not that suitable opportunities are not available for them but lack of capabilities, professional competence and job-worthiness. Even for one post of Class IV hundreds of applications are received from Graduates and PGs.  J&K is among states having highest Government employment at nearly 5% and beyond that it can't be sole employment provider rather the educated graduates would have to explore avenue to become job-providers instead of job-seekers.

          Translating literacy into education and education into employability is the serious most challenge which educationists, teachers, administrators and stakeholders face today. We have almost reached the threshold of producing a whole lot of educated population not fit for hiring. At national level J&K has not been able to surpass the magic figure of even 1% either in Civil Services Examination, IIT, JEE, NEET or other competitive examinations conducted by Commissions and Boards every year, when all these competitions constitute a very little of overall employment opportunities.

          Education, Employability, Social & Cultural values are core of learning system which can't be left on commercial lines to tread for emerging situation of haves and have-nots. The per capita investment in Government schools is much more than private schools which needs to be converted into desirable results. Teachers are well known as nation builders but the instant challenge for them is to rise to the occasion of self-less service to the future of India while endeavours continue to upgrade educational infrastructure and human resource management.  

[ The author is an IAS officer of J&K Cadre. Views personal. Feedback: shahidiqbalc@gmail.com] 

Road Safety : Beyond the "Annual Week"

Road Safety: Beyond the "Annual Week"

        Every calendar year begins with widespread celebrations of Road Safety Week and ends with ever increasing number of accidents, deaths and injuries. The 28th Road Safety Week was no different given the huge loss of human lives suffered during the preceding year which becomes just a number. Nearly 2700 people died in road accidents during 28th Road Safety Week.

        More than 400 people are killed every day in road accidents across the country, nearly the size of a Jumbo Jet crashing daily. National Crime Records Bureau statistics reveal 1.35 Lakh to 1.50 Lakh people killed every year in road accidents. However independent organisation put the number far more than 2 Lakh deaths. World Health Organisation report on Road Safety indicated 2.31 Lakh people killed in road accidents in India during 2013 against official data of 1.37 Lakh. In every 4 minutes there is one death in road accidents --which should be enough a wake-up call for everyone alive.

        Expanding road network, improvement in road infrastructure, better urban planning, safety features in vehicles, mass awareness, stringent rules, effective policing, stricter punishments and so on have not arrested the trend of increasing number of deaths due to road accidents. More than 20 children aged below 14 years die in country every day due to road accidents.

        Unplanned development, lopsided growth of urban centres, business establishments encroaching on common space, poor civic sense, weaker enforcement and many such factors have added to traffic woes increasing every day.

        Jammu and Kashmir state has a population of 125 Lakhs as per census 2011 while  projected population as on 01.01.2017 is 142 Lakhs out of which 84 Lakh population is above the age of 18 years. There are more than 17 Lakh vehicles in state which include nearly 15 Lakh registered with local transport offices and others belonging to security forces, businessmen, central government offices, inter-state commercial vehicles and contract carriages. At the same time nearly 65% population has access to public transport only. More than 45% geographical area of state lacks proper or sufficient transport system which includes mostly hilly areas of 9 districts while there is concentration of 76% private and 68% commercial vehicles in 16 major towns and interconnecting routes which reflects higher affordability in these areas and also profit-making commercial business while there are thousands of villages in transport shadow area.

        There is a contrast between traffic problems of rural and urban areas as well as hills and plains. In Cities unregulated traffic, lack of civic sense, weaker enforcement, large scale encroachments and number of vehicles beyond carrying capacity are reasons leading to road worries including accidents. Unplanned locations of vital public infrastructure like bus-stands, hospitals, schools, offices etc add to it. In rural areas shortage of commercial vehicles is a major reason for over-loading and accidental deaths. Public transport both in Government and Private sector has not come up well in these areas. The transporters often resort to playing with the scarcity on routes.

        Corruption in any system is also a part reflection of corruption in society and nothing reflects it better than our roads which witness unruly traffic movement and a near universal temptation for observing the rules in breach, with morality indeed at crossroads. The moment we debate about traffic issues everyone comes up the blame on traffic police. The traffic police may not be able to deliver to its full potential but it's unrealistic and unjust to imagine a force of nearly 2000-3000 personnel regulating more than 17 Lakh vehicles and manning more than 25000KM vital roads. Cities represent the maximum deaths due to road accidents which is reflective of rash and negligent driving, overcrowding of vehicles and faulty regulation apart from other factors.

        In J&K state there have been 21700 road accidents across state in last 4 years which lead to 3791 deaths and left more than 33460 injured. Surprisingly, Jammu city alone accounted for more than 561 deaths which is 15% of state and 28% of deaths reported across Jammu province. In 2016 , despite prolonged shutdown, 707 road accidents left 153 persons dead and 1135 injured. Jammu recorded nearly double loss.

        There is no dearth of Legislations, rules and judgments as well as executive orders regulating the traffic management even as we continue to call for more stringent and harsher laws. The action in road traffic violations is more of punitive in nature rather than preventive. The awareness on road safety though a token drive on various occasions contributes a lot in various ways but ultimately it is the community and society which has to rise to the occasion against this menace of massive deaths attributed to road accidents. Every single life matters but somewhere in the heart of hearts we have settled with the fact that loss of life in different circumstances is perhaps valued differently. A single death would generate mass outrage in one case and more than 1.50 Lakh killed annually would be remembered only in statistics. The roads and vehicles will continue to be upgraded for safety it is ultimately the collective conscience of the citizens which needs an awakening towards road safety which would not be achieved till everyone lives safe and makes it safe for others on roads.

        Country has stood to various challenges. There have been times when polio was reported in lakhs of children. Collective conscience of country, mass awareness, education, participations, incentives, drives, effective policies and concerted efforts made India polio-free in 2011 and it has been so since last 6 years. We were successful in protecting lakhs of lives annually and continue to do so. From Hyper-endemic India was transformed to polio-free by "the Nation" itself. Road safety calls for a national movement than sporadic celebrations for a week. It has to be a everyday task for the nation round the year.

        Improving public transport, opting for mass transport, societal action against encroachments as add on for executive action, future planning, severe punitive action, prohibitory action, and a mass self-realisation on road safety are  just a few measures which every citizen should strive for. 

Working of NGOs in Ladakh

Working of NGOs in Ladakh
It is time to see if these organizations are really working for the betterment of people

CONCERN BY DR SHAHID IQBAL CHOUDHARY (IAS)

The Non-Governmental Organisations and institutions have been termed as the backbone of any democracy and their activism as pro-people and facilitating justice to all. During my posting as Special Officer, Relief and Reconstruction, after the August 2010 cloudburst I found Leh district alone, with a population of 15,000 odd souls, has more than one hundred and fifty non-governmental organisations- some local NGOs and some affiliates or “franchises” of world famous organisations. I was surprised to see an NGO office at every nook and corner; at the same time it excited me to draw inference that Developed Ladakh may be an outcome of this pro-active NGO system. But when I left Leh, after completion of my tenure there, the feelings on this were mixed and the experiences I gained on this front will remain a lifetime experience to deal effectively and in a constructive way, with these organisations and institutions.
It was not that such a huge number of NGOs reached tragedy-struck Leh all of a sudden for reconstruction but these organisations are, supposedly, working since many years, in various fields ranging from child welfare, women upliftment, poverty alleviation, quality housing, wildlife conservation, tourism promotion, tribal development, art and culture preservation, education promotion and so on. It is a fact that Leh is house to a couple of internationally acclaimed NGOs and institutions which have created a niche by real work and also gathering a rich resource-base and data-base on Leh. They serve also to showcase the Ladakhi identity. Some NGOs like SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh), LeDeG (Ladakh Ecological Development Group), Save the Children Foundation, among others, have been doing excellent work in Leh and the results stand as a testimony to this fact. But at the same time there are organisations, with much publicity and no substantial contribution, which far outnumber the genuine ones, having done negligible compared to their claims and the resources mobilised. The NGO culture of Ladakh has certainly helped in creating a greater degree of awareness among people, raising their standard of living, providing them basic amenities and promoting health, hygiene and education. But at the same time non-performing NGOs are a real threat to the peoples’ rights, genuine NGOs works on one hand and promote some publicity-minded and fund------ organisations from elsewhere in the country to spread their tentacles in Leh. This may also be a threat to the isolated and preserved Ladakh identity in the long run.
Majority of NGOs based in Leh are just a few member organisations without much substantial work to their credit. To be optimistic, it may be construed that these organisations have cropped up drawing inspiration from the ones which have really uplifted the status of livelihood of many people in Leh, spread awareness and created vital infrastructure too. But as of now the fact remains that more than a hundred NGOs are just in name – or in their infancy. Post-Disaster Reconstruction was a real check of strengths and weakness of such organisations, some of them passed the litmus test while others fell under the burden of huge burden of tall claims of proposed reconstruction announced shortly after the flash floods that devastated the Leh town and its vicinity. To the latter category belong the nationally famous NGOs mostly, because most of the local NGOs neither had huge resources nor manpower, only thing they could extend was “coordination”.
The Chamber of Indian Industry (CII), adopted a village Saboo, 15Kilometers from Leh town. Their targets were conservative and work done par excellence. CII constructed 2 houses and will be constructing remaining 11 in coming summer, apart from distributing free construction material to a large number of families. Another NGO, Samarpan, announced construction of 500 houses for the affected families, but ended up constructing only 2 in a period of four months. There was no issue with even such huge shortfall in targets of Samarpan, but the drama played by it took us by shock. At most devastated Choglamsar, a model house of Samarpan remained under construction all through the time we raised a colony of 170 houses in a period of two months. They took assistance from district administration, police and army too but complained the visiting chief minister about “lack of help from district administration” which prompted us to draw a blank on Samarpan. This NGO had come of its own, though the administration provided all possible help, but still to cover its utter failures it indulged in blame game. Over and above that, in print and electronic media it went ahead with its claims of huge reconstruction in Leh and a lot of emotional stories too. I call such NGOs corporate vents – they raise resources and claim credits without much substantial work. But the experience is not that bad all the way, the best one was from the Radha Swami Satsang Beas (RSSB. In all they constructed 6 community shelters at most affected places and their state-of-art construction is just seeing-is-believing. They approached the administration for just identification of sites of construction to be done by them, and did this job in record one month time at all the places. Their next meet with us was when a soft spoken, down-to-earth, former Air Vice Marshal entered my office and thanked with all humility for being given the “opportunity” to help the people, and handed over the keys. No press statements, no inaugurations, no sign boards or marks of RSSB on these building – it was first time in my life I saw an organisation having contributed in real terms for the poor and tragedy hit people and not claiming even an iota of publicity. Tall claims and negligible work on one hand and huge work in real terms without any publicity or show on the other, were the two extremes of NGOs we came across.
In all, 36 odd NGOs, including a couple of local ones, were involved in reconstruction and relief. Some of them like WWF and Save the Children Foundation did good relief work. Other contributed, in total, about 25 houses in various areas of Leh. But most of the NGOs who tendered their claims of reconstruction through media initially were either seen nowhere or reduced their targets to just few houses from few hundred.
Question arises, even if only few local and non-local NGOs are performing well in Leh and rest not then why to worry for the non performing as it is a national phenomenon? The answer is quite complex. Working of NGOs in Leh area has become a culture and their number is just on a progression. Some NGOs perform well others don’t. Which do not perform, are not a real concern for people as such, but NGOs which perform become trust-builders in the area. People have faith in them and their deeds. Here is the point where worries are heaped. Once you have a couple of good NGOs around, you get to trust the visiting NGOs too, and that may be a serious threat to the local people of this isolated civilisation having a rich culture and tradition apart from having a very tough life. To elaborate, a Jammu-based NGO adopted 25 children of flood affected area Choglamsar. It came to notice when their parents approached our office for seeking certificates to the effect that children belong to flood affected families. Upon enquiry it was told that children are already taken by NGO to Jammu and are well settles in hostel, and admission being done in a top boarding school. I called up few friends in Jammu to ascertain, the feedback was quite disappointing, children were put in people’s houses for work and study, no hostel and boarding school, and the organisation was involved in conversion activities. Shocked over this, i took up the matter with Jammu District Magistrate, who upon enquiry found the children in shambles and a criminal background of organisation; later police arrested its office bearers and rescued the children. Ironically, back home in Leh, people didn’t buy our argument instead they were satisfied about the plight of children. Such was the trust in NGOs which was shaken only after the rescue clips were shown on a television news channel. Later the children were brought back and National Disaster Management Authority was requested to provide hostel building for them in Leh, which was readily done within two weeks. And we also sought support from various institutions and credible NGOs for their education.
The NGOs are termed as activists, pro-people, predevelopment, development-oriented, participation and so on. And they are, in many cases. But majority I came across in Leh are otherwise. So there is an urgent need to have a check on mushrooming growth of fake NGOs. Moreover, there should be a regulatory mechanism, which may be a self-regulation code among an amalgam of NGOs working in an area. Misleading NGOs must be under a scanner to ensure that credibility of genuine ones is not put into question unnecessarily. If timely checks are not put in place, the present trends are bound to turn ugly with passage of time. Onus is on one and all, the government functionaries, NGOs themselves and above all, the people.


(Published in Greater Kashmir, 26th January 2011)

Muslims in Indian Administration : Towards Inclusion?

Missing Link or Connecting Link
Muslims in Indian Administration : Towards Inclusion

By Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary

The Government system provides a framework for equitable socio economic development and planned growth of any nation state. Participation of various identities, in equitable proportions, in the governance may not be a necessary precondition for such a planned growth and development as well as nation building but equitable outcome is certainly a desired outcome. The Indian administration provides a unique model for securing national integration on one hand and providing a machinery of unbiased persons selected through an open competitive examination and allotted to states for carrying out good governance in unbiased manner and ensuring delivery of services apart from reinforcing accountability of government towards the masses. This has been achieved through creation of three All India Services viz Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS), apart from many central services in Group A & B working in the affairs of states and Union. The IAS represents the framework of permanent executive in a democratic set up.
When Lord Cornwallis created Indian Civil Service (ICS) in 1893, it was aptly described as steel pillars of the Government. After more than two centuries the ICS, now IAS, has witnessed a lot of erosion of its powers with separation of executive and judiciary, decentralisation in government, compartmentalisation and so on. But still it wields the real power of decision making in executive. Presence of various communities, religious and linguistic identities in the administration has been an issue of debate since decades. The inclusion of minorities in various services has always been on agenda of successive governments as it provides a platform for articulation of specific needs and ideas as well. Muslims, comprising the largest minority with 13.4 % population have only a 2.96% presence in the IAS which is apparently a cause of concern as it cultivates a sense of marginalisation in the corridors of power and decision making. But if we analyse the trends, the Muslim participation has also show a steady pattern of inclusion across the years. Upon analysis of this trend, one can arrive at lacunas and suggest future measures to be taken to avoid such a feeling of marginalisation in governance and administration.
Muslims: Selections in IAS
An analysis of IAS selections by the Union Public Service Commission in past 20 years reveals a static number of Muslims selected for the coveted service over the years, with peak numbers a couple of times crossing half a dozen.

I II III IV
S.NO YEAR OF ALLOTMENT TOTAL SELECTIONS MUSLIMS
1 2009 119 6
2 2008 111 2
3 2007 89 2
4 2006 87 2
5 2005 90 2
6 2004 88 0
7 2003 71 3
8 2002 59 2
9 2001 58 2
10 2000 55 2
11 1999 51 3
12 1998 55 1
13 1997 76 2
14 1996 78 4
15 1995 79 7
16 1994 78 1
17 1993 86 1
18 1992 76 0
19 1991 102 4
20 1990 101 1
1609 47
Table I: Muslims selected in IAS compared to total selections.
From the table above, the number of Muslims selected for IAS every year ranged from zero to 7 in last 20 batches, from 1990 to 2009 batch. The highest number was registered in 1995 and 2009 batches with respectively 7 and 6 Muslims being appointed in the IAS. In 1992 and 2004 not even a single Muslim could make it to the elite IAS. Out of 1609 selections in past 20 years since 1990 batch, only 47 Muslims could become members of the IAS, which includes 9 Muslim women. Thus, 2.92% is the average selection of Muslims in IAS in last two decades, compared to 2.96% total serving Muslim IAS officers in the country – a slight decline to overall percentage of Muslims in administration.
. The 1995 batch recorded the highest ratio of Muslims to overall number of candidates selected for appointment in IAS, at 8.9%.
Muslim IAS Officers in Indian States
The candidates selected by the UPSC for appointment to IAS are allotted to various cadre states by the Department of Personnel and Training, under the Prime Minister’s office. Twenty eight states and 7 Union Territories of the Indian dominion have been formed into 24 cadres for allocation of All India Services officers. All union territories and states of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, NCT Delhi and Goa have been included in one cadre named AGMUT (Arunachal-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories). Likewise Assam and Meghalaya; and Manipur and Tripura are clubbed as joint cadres. There are total 4456 IAS officers serving in all the cadre states as on 01.01.2010, which includes both direct recruits (RR) and those promoted from the state civil services (SCS). An analysis of the IAS composition across cadres reveals that there are 132 Muslim IAS officers out of the total whopping strength of 4500 odd officers of the premier service in India. Further, only 81 of them are RR i.e selected by the UPSC through competitive examination and the rest 51 have been inducted from the state civil services. The State of Jammu and Kashmir is the only Muslim dominated state in country; and has the highest number of Muslims in IAS serving under affairs of state. Out of 92 IAS officers in Jammu and Kashmir, 30 are Muslims – 5 RR and 25 SCS. The number in case of J&K is high because it is the only state where promotion quota for induction in IAS is 50 % of RR while in other states it stands uniformly at 33%. Apart from J&K, all the 23 rest cadres send only 102 IAS officers out of 4364 i.e. 2.34 % share in rest of India.
Table 2: STATE WISE STATISTICS OF MUSLIM IAS OFFICERS COMPARED TO TOTAL STRENGHT OF IAS*
S.NO STATE TOTAL SERVING IAS OFFICERS MUSLIM IAS (TOTAL) MUSLIM IAS
RR SCS**
1. Andhra Pradesh 289 8 6 2
2. AGMUT 224 2 2 0
3. Assam-Meghalaya 203 10 3 7
4. Bihar 209 6 4 2
5. Chhattisgarh 113 3 3 0
6. Gujarat 220 4 3 1
7. Haryana 184 1 1 0
8. Himachal Pradesh 100 2 2 0
9. Jammu & Kashmir 92 30 5 25
10. Jharkhand 98 1 1 0
11. Karnataka 234 12 8 4
12. Kerala 161 6 4 2
13. Madhya Pradesh 300 4 3 1
14. Maharashtra 314 2 2 0
15. Manipur-Tripura 148 8 6 2
16. Nagaland 49 1 1 0
17. Orissa 158 0 0 0
18. Punjab 168 1 1 0
19. Rajasthan 187 1 1 0
20. Sikkim 33 0 0 0
21. Tamil Nadu 280 11 8 3
22. Uttarakhand 88 0 0 0
23. Uttar Pradesh 367 11 11 0
24. West Bengal 237 8 6 2
TOTAL 4456 132 81 51
2.96% : 132 Muslims out of 4456 IAS Officers serving in country
*This is as per actual number of officers serving as on 01.06.2010 and not the sanctioned cadre strength. **Officers inducted into IAS from amongst the State Service Officers.
Some of the major Indian states with huge Muslim population have almost negligible presence of Muslims in the IAS. Uttar Pradesh with a population of more than 17 crores and an IAS cadre strength 367 officers has only 11 Muslims IAS serving in the state, Madhya Pradesh another mega state has 4 Muslims out of 300, Maharashtra has only 2 out of 314, Andhra Pradesh has 8 Muslims out of 289 IAS officers, Karnataka stands still better at 12 out of 234 and Kerala having 6 Muslims out of 161 keeps the percentage high in south India. It is heartening to observe that 3 Cadres out of 24 do not have even a single Muslim IAS officer in state, and 13 Cadres do not have any Muslim SCS officer promoted to IAS- the later reflects low number of Muslims in state administrative services.

Chief Secretaries: Heads of Bureaucracy in States
As on 01.08.2010 there are 40 officers in the country designated as Chief Secretaries. There is one Chief Secretary in state who heads the entire bureaucracy and is usually the top most IAS officer of that cadre state having put in mandatory 30 years of service. But many states have designated multiple chief secretaries in charge of major departments and one chief secretary heads the whole structure e.g. UP has designated 5 top officers as Chief Secretaries while as Rajasthan has 7, rest states have one each. The Union Territories have administrators as heads. Out of present 40 top officers heading states, none is a Muslim. But many Muslims have remained as chief secretaries before.
Muslims: in Top Pay Scale
The highest pay scale of a bureaucrat in the country after the 6th Central Pay Commission has been fixed as Rs 80,000/- plus allowances. Beyond that only Cabinet Secretary, senior most IAS officer of country, has the pay scale of Rs 90,000/ fixed. At present there are 208 officers in the top pay scale of Fixed Rs 80,000/-, out of which only 4 are Muslims i.e 1.92 %. This low percentage is mainly attributed to the prevailing literacy rate among Muslims in 1970s. Since fewer candidates appeared for the examination so number of selections in corresponding batches remained comparatively low.
Muslims: Secretaries to GoI Rank
The Secretary to Government of India is a Civil Servant, having served more than 30 years in IAS and empanelled on seniority basis. Presently, to become Secretary to Government of India, one needs to put in roughly 35 years in service. The Cabinet Secretary is senior most civil servant of the country. Cabinet secretary is appointed from amongst the senior most IAS officers serving as Secretaries to Government of India. The committee of secretaries, having all the Secretaries to Government of India as members and the cabinet secretary as its head, is the most powerful decision making body of the Indian Government. The various secretaries head the departments in ministries and are directly answerable to the minister. In fact, these are the key position holders wielding the real executive power in policy making and decision making in the country. The political executive is supreme and through Parliament the laws and policies are enacted by legislation which is initiated by these top officials under direction of political executive. Presently there are 78 IAS officers working as Secretaries to Government of India, out of which only one officer heading the Border Management Department, Ministry of Home Affairs, is a Muslim. Three other Muslim officers, having the apex scale, are presently eligible for empanelment as Secretary to Government of India.
Muslims: In Top Commissions
The three member Election Commission of India, entrusted with conduct of free and fair elections in world’s largest democracy has one Muslim IAS officer as its member. The National Commission for Minorities, a powerful 5 member Commission, has 2 Muslim members including the Chairman, who has served as Governor of 5 states. The Planning Commission, responsible for pegging the budgets of states and allocating resources, has one Muslim woman among 8 members. The Union Public Service Commission, which is the top most recruiting authority for the Union of India, has one Muslim member out of total 9 members and a Chairman. It is evident that eligible Muslim officers and eminent personalities have found due position in country’s top most bodies and commissions having a major say in the decisions of the Government and responsible for ensuring a fair and just system across the country - free from any discrimination.
Literacy Rate and Share in Administration:-
Literacy has a major role to play in empowerment of minorities but at the same time many other factors are responsible for availing the opportunities in a competitive world -- right information and guidance to youth, socio-economic support, quality education and the like. If we analyse the Muslim literacy rate in relation to their presence in administration at national level, the results vary from quite satisfactory to disappointing. Out of total 132 Muslim IAS officers in country, 39 come from states with highest literacy rate among Muslims. As already mentioned, mere population of a community cannot be a yardstick or claim for having proportional representation in administration, since the selection examinations are competitive and level playing for all, but the analysis below has been done to show that factors other than mere literacy also play a major role in dismal presence of Muslims in Indian administration.

S.No
STATE MUSLIM LITERACY % Muslim Population No. Of IAS Officers from State Muslim IAS Muslim % IAS
1. Kerala 89.0% 15% 139 13 9.35
2. Tamil Nadu 82.9% 12.9% 299 10 3.35
3. Maharashtra 78.1% 16.2% 226 02 0.90
4. Goa 75.4% 15.2% 02 01 50.0
5. Gujarat 73.5% 15.7% 77 01 1.30
6. Madhya Pradesh 70.3% 17.9% 152 03 2.00
7. Karnataka 70.1% 16.1% 152 05 3.30
8. Andhra Pradesh 68.0% 14.9% 282 04 1.42
9. Delhi 66.6% 18.5% 230 00 0.00
10. Tripura 60.9% 18.6% 14 00 0.00
Table: Top 10 states with high Muslim literacy rate and share in IAS selections from state.
Kerala state with 15% Muslim population and 89% Muslim literacy rate has sent 139 IAS officers to Indian administration, serving across the country, out of which 13 i.e 9.35% are Muslims, which is quite impressive compared to all states. Goa stands first in percentage terms as far as Muslims in IAS are concerned, sending one out of total 2 IAS officers from the state. While, Delhi and Tripura, together, having sent 244 IAS officers have not even a single Muslim IAS officer even the Muslim literacy rate is 66.6% and 61% respectively. This is attributed to reported tendency of Muslims in capital towards other professions like private sector, media and business where they are doing excellently well. In states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu where general literacy rate stands very high, the share of Muslims in IAS selected also stands at a comparatively better position. From the table above, where comparison has been done about high Muslim literacy rate and their share in IAS selections from state, it is evident that literacy is not the only measure of ensuring participation in administration. Other factors like participation in competitive examinations, coaching and guidance available to minorities, and state support in this regard are very important factors. Also we find very high share of Muslims in medicine and engineering, which signifies that a majority of talent is pooled to these disciplines also, and hence those competing for administrative positions are comparatively less in most of the states.
Gender and Empowerment: Muslim Women in IAS
At present there are only 13 Muslim women IAS officers serving in the country, out of the total strength of about 4500 serving officers. In past 20 years the ratio women selected in IAS through the Civil Services Examination has varied from 15 to 30 %, with more tendency towards higher end over the years e.g the 2009 batch of IAS comprising of 188 officers which passed out of LBS National Academy of Administration recently, had a total of 32 women IAS officers, out of which 2 were Muslims The share women in IAS is on the rise year after year. Upon analysis of Muslim women selected in IAS over these years it becomes evident that they are not keeping pace with the trend even though many them who are selected for IAS have made it to top ranks.
S.NO YEAR TOTAL SELECTIONS MUSLIM MALES MUSLIM FEMALES
1 2009 119 4 2
2 2008 111 1 1
3 2007 89 1 1
4 2006 87 1 1
5 2005 90 2 0
6 2004 88 0 0
7 2003 71 2 1
8 2002 59 1 1
9 2001 58 1 1
10 2000 55 2 0
11 1999 51 3 0
12 1998 55 1 0
13 1997 76 1 1
14 1996 78 4 0
15 1995 79 7 0
16 1994 78 1 0
17 1993 86 1 0
18 1992 76 0 0
19 1991 102 4 0
20 1990 101 1 0
Table: Muslim women selected in IAS compared to total Muslim selections and overall selections in each year
From the table above, showing data of past 20 years, it appears that in past couple of years the Muslim women equalled Muslim men selected in IAS. But over the years the performance has been disappointing - in 12 out of 20 years no Muslim woman in the country could make it to IAS; but in 6 years Muslim women and men were selected in equal numbers. Further, for years number of Muslim women selected in IAS was same as Muslim males, one each. But the bottom-line still remains that Muslim women , till date, date have not been able to create a niche in the Indian administration, with not more than 15 Muslim women IAS officers serving in the country, out of 4500 odd strength of Indian Administrative Service. They do have sizeable presence in medicine, engineering, education and various technical disciplines but administration still remain an area where Muslim women are still missing. Nevertheless, the Muslim women who made to the top posts in administration are very vocal and articulate, like the women administrators in majority are. More initiatives are required to bring women into administration and that will automatically attract Muslim women as well. The UPSC has taken some encouraging steps in this regard – like exemption of examination fee, encouragement message in advertisements/notifications and the like.

Muslims Share in OTHER Civil Services: Group ‘A & B’ and IFS
In the UPSC conducted annual Civil Services Examination, based on merit and preference, top 80 to 100 candidates are allotted to the Indian Administrative Service depending on the vacancies available as notified by the Central Government. Among the top positions, few also get the coveted Indian Foreign Service – however since the preference for Foreign Service has been on a decline so maximum candidates falling below the IAS cut off line are slated to join it as their second option. The other popular second preference for aspirants is Indian Police Service, but most women prefer Indian Revenue Service than IPS and other. The UPSC prepares the combined merit list as per vacancies referred to it and sends in the list of candidates recommended for appointment to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) which is the final authority on allocation of services- depending on vacancies, categories, preference and merit.
To have a holistic view of presence of Muslims in whole administrative structure, it is necessary to go through their percentage and numbers in all the services – selected on the basis of above mentioned Civil Services Examination at national level.
S.No
YEAR OF SELECTION TOTAL CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR ALL CIVIL SERVICES BY U.P.S.C MUSLIMS MUSLIM (%)
1. 2010 875 21 2.4 %
2. 2009 795 32 4.1 %
3. 2008 734 27 3.7 %
4. 2007 448 17 3.8 %
5. 2006 425 12 2.8 %
6. 2005 422 13 3.1 %
7. 2004 413 13 3.2 %
8. 2003 284 09 3.1 %
9. 2002 417 12 2.9 %
10. 2001 427 14 3.3 %

Last 10 years data shows that Muslim candidates selected for all the services –All India Services (IAS/IPS/IFS), Foreign Service and Central Services; ranged between 3 to 4 %. It crossed 4% mark only in year 2009 with selection of 32 Muslim candidates among selection list of 795 – including 6 in IAS. If we compare the data presented above in Table 1 showing selection of Muslims in IAS and Table -showing all civil services together, it can be concluded that share of Muslims in other central services, every year, is higher than that in the IAS. For all services taken together the percentage of Muslims is pulled up because of the reason that more Muslims find berth in allied services. Since the margin of marks between ranks is very less in this examination, there is scope of improvement and bridging the gap to bring more Muslims into IAS, which will automatically pave way for more minority candidates into the overall selection list.
Indian Forest Service, an All India Service entrusted with protection and management of country’s forest wealth spread over approximately 24% geographical area and including rich biodiversity is unique in its selection procedure. Known as IFS, the service has a separate all India level competitive examination open to science graduates only. The IFS has gained importance and wields more importance now given the issues of environment and climate change, stringent Acts and Rules related to Forests, Wildlife and Environment, the Apex Court Forest Bench and the Court appointed all powerful Central Empowered Committee etc. Moreover the Forest administration is more or less independent of the general administration as far as managing the forest land and wealth is concerned. Number of candidates selected into IFS in past ten years has ranged from meagre 22 to 84 per year – not in a fixed range as the IAS and IPS. Here again, Muslim candidates have not been able to keep the pace and secure berth in the IFS list. The following table reflects the state of affairs as regards selection in IFS is concerned:-

S.No
YEAR OF SELECTION NUMBER OF CANDIDATES SELECTED MUSLIMS IN SELECT LIST MUSLIM SHARE
1. 2010 84 2 2.38
2. 2009 83 1 1.20
3. 2008 40 2 5.00
4. 2007 30 0 0.00
5. 2006 43 1 2.32
6. 2005 30 1 3.33
7. 2004 22 1 4.54
8. 2003 40 1 2.50
9. 2002 35 0 0.00

This again shows dismal performance Muslim candidates and this has remained stagnant over the years.
Conclusion and Discussion
As evident from the discussion above, Muslims have not been able to make their presence quite visible at the level of top administration owing various reasons like preference for medicine and engineering at secondary level, lack of proper coaching and guidance, socio-economic causes, lack of translation of high literacy into employable education and so on. But at the same time there are some positive notes also – more number of Muslim women selected in recent years, gender parity in Muslim selections, increased presence in central services and allied services of the Union, and higher competitiveness. Still the fact remains that despite such a high literacy among Muslims in a dozen states and successive governments’ genuine efforts the Muslims make only 2.96% of the Indian Administrative Service at present. The Prime Minister’s 15-point formula specifically mentions encouragement of minorities for joining central and state services, and many initiatives in this regard have been taken. Thus, it is a call upon educated Muslim youth to avail these opportunities provided by the Government and become a part of the administration at national and state level. Since the recruiting agencies are fare and transparent in selection process, rather there is special encouragement for minorities, the young educated people must come forward with openness to ideas and face the competition without any feeling of prejudice, fear or favour. Only then an INCLUSIVE ADMINISTRATION can become a reality in India.

IAS interview Experience 2009 (Dr Shahid Iqbal, IFS)

my IAS interview 2009

my IAS interview 24/04/2009
Feedback at shahidiqbalc@gmail.com

I entered the room and wished the Chairman and members, collectively, a good afternoon. The Chairman Mr I M G Khan smilingly welcomed and offered me the seat. I thanked him and took the seat.

Khan: What’s your correct name? is it SHAID or SHAHID:
SI: Sir, it’s Shahid but in matriculation records it was wrongly entered as SHAID so I quoted the same for CSE

Khan: Ha Ha…Some Babu must have done that. It happens. But there is a procedure to get it changed too?
SI: Yes Sir, I did that recently and have submitted the revised document now.

Khan: What is the difference between Shaheed and Shahid?
SI: Sir, Shaheed is Martyr and Shahid is Witness.

Khan: That’s nice. See how a single alphabet changes the meaning of name. So, Shahid appeared to me as “Perhaps” but you are witness?
SI: (SMILING), Sir

Khan: Just be careful about your name, as it is the computer which makes the result so make it sure some else Shahid may not take away your good score!! Do write many letters to Secretary UPSC citing your correct name!!! I am serious!!
SI: OK Sir, I will do the needful.

Khan: You are posted in Poonch. The district is known for some border related tensions. What problems do the people face.
SI: Sir right now I am posted in Srinagar and having served in Poonch I feel that the Cross-Border terrorism has created a lots of problem for the people. The town is only eight kilometers away from LoC and many times has remained in eye of the storm. The cross-fires and battles along the LoC have really inflicted serious damage to the daily life of the people there.

Khan: Has there been decline in militancy? What are the reasons?
SI: Certainly Yes, Sir. I would say development has been a greater reason which was reflected in lack of local support to the militancy. Moreover the opening up of the borders has played a major role : people have come to know the situation on the other side well.

Khan: What problems do the Gujjars and Bakkerwals face from militancy?
SI: Sir, traditionally the Gujjars have always been critical of the secessionist movement and did never lend support to the militancy. Irked at this the terrorists inflicted serious damages like repeated massacres at many places. Moreover their movement to highland pastures also go hampered.



DS Mathur: What are the causes of militancy in J&K?
SI: Sir, apart from the historical factors, unemployment and poverty had been major reasons which helped the secessionist and militants to misguide the youth.

( WHILE ANSWERING I COULD FEEL HOW COULD A PERSON LIKE ME GIVE SUCH A RUBISH ANSWER TO SUCH A GENERAL QUESTION? 87 LECTIONS, PLEBISCITE DEMAND, 1947, JAGMOHAN AND SO ON…………….I KNEW THE BASICS …BUT THAT’S UPSC PRESSURE TO WHICH WE SCUMB SOMETIMES, BUT LUCKILY I COULD RECOVER IN NEXT TWO QUESTIONS. BUT THE DISAPPOINTIMENT OVER MY ANSWER KEPT TAXING MY NERVES TILL I GAINED MY FORM BACK AFTER 5MIN OR SO)

DSM: But poverty and unemployment do exist in UP too, there is no militancy, then why in J&K?
SI: Sir, I meant to say that historical factors are there but these were reasons which helped terrorist to gain local support when the secessionist misguided the youth.

DSM: Do you think elections have to play any role in this?
SI: Certainly sir. It is a known fact that 1987 seven elections were the most rigged elections ever held in JK. This disappointed the masses. The popular leaders who had to be MLAs were declared defeated and those were the persons who lead the militant movement there. Hizb chief is a by-product of 1987 rigging only. On the contrast we see 2002 and 2008 elections as a watershed event there. The kind of overwhelmeing response in the transparent elections has shown the way. Development has been a major reason for this.

DSM: So you think democracy can make or break your state.
SI: Certainly sir.

DSM: You mentioned, EARLIER, development and other measures. What are they and how they have helped?
SI: An example to cite would be the Qazigund-Bramulla rail link which has bridged the north south divide in Kashmir and opened up new avenues. Second the cross LoC trade and movement of people. The plight of people on other side of line has opened up the eyes of our people. The condition of livelihood and HR. Economy too. Wheat floor is Rs 12/Kg in JK it is Rs 65/Kg in PoK. (Khan exclaimed : My Goodness, INR OR PR? I replied Indian Rupee), Meat here is Rs 120/Kg, and 275 in PoK, Cement 210/bag and 490/bag respectively. These things matter.

DSM: Do you think militancy saved forests? As they were out of bound for people?
SI: Sir, I think it was the other way round. Precious timber like deodar used to be transported to Pakistan through Jehlum in return of money. There had been a trade like that. Terrorists also encouraged local smugglers. So I think it damaged the forests more. (Khan: True, money is a big game for them. Even drugs business is growing under their patronage)

DSM: What are the problems of animal husbandry there? And what about diseases?
SI: Diseases like Rinderpest and FMD were a problem. Rinderpest has been eradicated but FMD remains a serious problem for the livestock. But the problem is with the numbers. We have some 2 million non-producing animals at any given point of time. The tribal people do keep more numbers as a matter of prestige only. I have seen in certain instances 4-6 producing animals in a herd of 150 or so. Its alarming.

DSM: That means a serious grazing pressure?
SI: Of course Sir. It is a serious problem obviously.

Member Three: You Play Volleyball. Where u picked up the Game?
SI: Sir, I started playing at LBSNAA and IGNFA. ( and after that?). well sir I did play in Pooch too where a made a team of my range staff, and I used to play with them in free time. (feels happy over this)

MT: How many team members are there? What are dimensions of court?
SI: Six players of each side. Court is 9 BY 9 on each side and a 3M Middle portion divided by the Net at half I.e 1.5m

MT: Whats difference between Volleyball and Beach Volleyball?
SI: I have not played beach volley ever but have seen people playing during a tour, Beach volleyball has a team of 2 compared to that of six in standard game. Moreover the solid ground in standard game is replaced by sand!!! It is played in coastal areas.

MT: When was it included in Olympics?
SI: I believe in 1960 or so.

MT: Some major game event coming up in Delhi. What and when?
SI: Commonwealth Games in 2010.

MT: What was its earlier name?
SI: (SMILED). Sorry sir, I don’t have an exact idea about it!!

MT: Which other Game event of this level was held in Delhi and when?
SI: Sir, Asian Games in early 1980s. ( Asks which year. Sir I think it is 1984 or so, but frankly I don’t remember the exact year. Says it was 1982)

MT: You are a running champion!! (smiles) so many kilometers are there in Marathon?
SI: well, i have not been into marathon till now but i feel it would be 40Km or so.
( MT: Yes yes, it is 42Km. oh i see you have been into 10KM. SI: Yes Sir.

MT: What Programme has Army taken up in border areas? And its impact?
SI: There is one “Sadbhavana” mission under which roads, bridges, schools, community centers, etc have been built. This has been a major contribution. It has certainly changed the image of army there.

MT: There was another programme along LoC?
SI: Not a developmental programme but a security measure, the LoC fencing?

MT: Yes, yes. What about it. Is it successful?
SI: Yes sir, to a greater extent. But you cannot fence the whole state!! Like we saw infiltration from Gurez area yesterday. There are inaccessible terrains also where fencing can not help. But certainly it has improved the things on this side.


Member Four: What are the basis of constituencies, like that of LS or Assembly?
SI: A uniform ratio of electorate to representative. Roughly eleven lakhs in case of LS.

MF: What about ST, SCs? What percentage.
SI: Reservation is there for ST/SC. Perhaps, in proportion to population, but I am missing the exact scheme.

MF: What are Parliamentary Committees? Whats the need?
SI: Sir, these are committees constituted by drawing members from both LS and RS. They are entrusted with works related to various ministries.
Since it is not possible for the parliament to go into the basics of everything, say a Forests Bill. So the committees see into pros and cons, suggest measures etc, also budget/expenditure required etc.

MF: When do they work?
SI: (I MISSED THE QUESTION AND STARTED ANSWERING WRONGLY) sir when the bill is introduced then after the diss………..Chairman interrupts(NO NO)…..i said, Sorry I missed the question. Chairman says : You are in hurry to answer that’s why. Question repeated. I said: I don’t have clear idea. Chairman explains that they work during budget session.

MF: How was the Budget this year?
SI: No budget was presented this year sir, as elections were round the corner. So, I think demands for grants was approved…..something like that…. (FORGOT VOTE ON ACCOUNT)

MF: But you should have studied it in GS for Mains?
SI: Perhaps I am unable to recollect the exact scheme. Economy had always been weak in my case….(.smile.)

MF: What are your service options/preferences?
SI: Sir, IAS, IPS, IFS. But I will join only IAS.

Chairman: But you have also mentioned IRS at 4.
SI: Sir, at the time of filling up mains form I was non-committal about IRS. But now I have decided I will not join any service other than IAS.

MF: Why not IFS? Is it about seniority?
SI: no Sir. I have already put 4 years into IFS. And have done very good work, gained experience too. In IAS I would be starting from a threshold, as job is more or less similar. In IFS I will have to start from Zero. Moreover its all about personal preference. (smile)

MF: If you get Nagaland cadre?
SI: I will join sir. Cadre is not a problem for me today. In 2005 I was committed to leave service if I get any cadre other than JK. But since then I have got a great exposures and have come out of that comfort zone thinking.

MF: Which awards you won in LBSNAA?
SI: Sir, in Photography and Essay writing.

MF: What you learned at LBSNAA?
SI: For me, it was interaction with fellow colleagues in other services and a culture of teamwork, be it trekking or cultural programme. Personally I learned photography and got a skill of writing.

Member Five: Difference Between plants and animals?
)
SI: Animals can move plants cannot, they can eat and plants do not, plants photosynthesize and animals do not. And the like things……………

M5: But they differ at cellular level too. Do you know what centrosomes are?
SI: (FEELING HELPLESS) Sir I don’t remember exactly. It’s been a long time I was at cellular level last!

M5: Oh yes, I forgot. That might be the reason.

M5: When is the World Forestry Day?
SI: Sir, I don’t know exactly (BLUNDER!!!!!i thought......i just skipped the date)

M5: Who was Brandis?
SI: A German forester. Was appointed first IG Forests in 1850s. Started scientific forestry in India.

M5: Under which Ministry Mr. Brandis worked?
SI: Sir, I think it was ministry of Agriculture, because till recently Forest department was under Ministry of Agriculture.

M5: Absolutely right. So tell me when was your Ministry of Environment and Forests created?
SI: Sir, I THINK it was in 1985 ( was not sure) (M5: Yes almost then)

M5: Who is IGF now?
SI: Sir, now we have DG Forests, and many IGs.

M5: Who is DGF?
SI: Sir, Mr J C Kala was in 2007, thereafter I don’t know. (Says: Oh You don’t know DGF, I said out of sight out of mind perhaps, after academy I concentrated more on affairs in state)


M5: That is a history. Kala retired long back.
M5: Who is Director IGNFA?
SI: Sir, a Haryana Cadre IFS officer was posted recently. Yes, Mr Jakati, Mr B D Jakati. (Thank God, kisi ka naam to aya, wo be ludak ludak k!!!!! pata nahin hai k wo be retire ho gya TO NAHIN!!!!)

MF: What are international forestry institutes?
SI: I DON’T HAVE MUCH IDEA SIR. ONE IS ITC NETHERLANDS WHERE FORESTERS UNDERGO GIS RS TRAINING.( Rejects and explains about other instts)

M5: What is importance of 2011 for Foresters?
SI: One is regarding Climate Change. A protocol to replace Kyoto has to be ratified by then for post-2012.

M5: OK. But 2011 has been designated by the UN as I/N Year of Forestry.
SI: ok sir. (sad feeling. What all nonsense questions he is asking)

M5: What is ICFRE? Do we need such a council?
SI: Sir, it is Indian Council for Forestry, with HQ at Dehradun. Certainly ICFRE has major role to play. It has chain of research and training institutes across the regions in India, where research is done. It collaborates at international l evel too. I think we certainly rquire such a council at National level for coordination between states as well as I/N level. It serves as a resource for state forestry personnel too.

M5: Who is DG ICFRE?
SI: Sir, Mr Jagdish Kishan, an IFS officer of Jammu and Kashmir cadre. ( KISWAN KI TO BIRTH PLACE, FAMILY STRUCTURE, HOBBIES, DRESS CODE BHI BATA DUN, JUST ASK ME MAN: I FELT!!!!!!!!!!!!)


M5: POINTS TOWARDS CHAIRMAN. (LIKE I AM SITTING IN WITNESS BOX AND HE IS TELLING CHAIRMAN: YOUR WITNESS PLEASE!!!)

Khan: Shahid, do you know Urdu? Have you studied poetry?
SI: Sir, I have only working knowledge of Urdu. I have studied it only as a part of curriculum till metric standard. Poetry too I studied but for classroom purpose!!!!

Khan: Ok. Ok, name some poets you have studied then?
SI: (PLAYING SAFE!!), sir as I mentioned only as a part of curriculam, I studied, Mirza Galib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi among others.

Khan: o i see. So recite some couplet of Faiz. Oh you already told u studied only as a part of curriculam. So let me recite for you. YE DAAG DAAG (Something …..i don’t remember), said Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Do you know on what occasion he said this?

Khan: He expressed his pain over the partition of India.
SI: OK Sir, now I will remember this ( WITH A FADING AND HAPLESS FAKE SMILE, WHICH MIGHT BE APPEARING AS SADDAM HUSSAINS LAST ANGRY SMILE CAPTURED ON CAMERA)

Chairman: smiles, so Mr Shahid, it was nice talking to a polished gentleman ( I know perhaps he is hitting hard for my few nonsense answers and shortly going to spoil my IAS aim…..God Forbid. I STARTED THINKING WHAY HE USED THESE WORDS, PERHAPS I DID SOMETHING WRONG? NO POSITIVE FEELING IN BOARD ROOM ANYWAYS….WILL THINK LATER). Thanks a lot.
SI: Thank You sir, (slightly bowing before all gentlemen in 180 degree movement of my neck). Closed the door with great respect, as if it is going to fetch me few more marks!! Gave small look inside, chairman was looking at file, others looking him, but the man M5 who was hell bent to spoil my interview, and did it, was keenly looking at me.


Barring the answer on militancy other things were smooth. Actually answering that question I was quadruple minded whether to tell the truth or the false information they want. So I bought time by saying existing factors etc, but could recover shortly. Questions like DGF. Forestry Day. Forestry Institutes were though little embarrassing but I could say NO very politely and with a helpless fake smile. While M5 was asking questions I felt at the lowest ebb. But concluding remarks of the Chairman and the overall interview, to some extent makes me feel it was good in deed. BUT A THREAT, OF UPSC BEING MOST UNPREDICTABLE, STILL LOOMS LARGE.
So expectation: 180-195

“ KUCHCH ISS TARAH SE HUM NE TAE KARI HAIN MANZILAIN, GIR PADE GIR KAR UTHE, CHAL DIYE AUR CHALTE RAHE”

AND

“ DASHT TO DASHT HAI DARYA BHI NA CHHODE HUM NE, BEHER-E-ZULMAT MAI DAUDA DIYE GHODE HUM NE”