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| IAS vs. Innovation: Are we just Creating ‘Administration’? | | | Dr. Vijay Garg
In India, the IAS enjoys one of the highest status in society. There is no doubt that bureaucracy has had a large role in handling the country’s diversity and maintaining law and order. But, when it comes to ‘revolutionary ideas” or game-changing innovation on a global scale, this system often gets left behind.
Administration vs invention The main job of an IAS officer is to run the existing system efficiently. They are ‘managers’, not ‘creators’.
A scientist creates something new out of nothing. An innovator finds a brand new solution (like the YPI or indigenous vaccine) to old problems. The administration only serves as a vehicle for bringing these facilities to the public. 2. Lack of risk taking Scientists and innovators learn from ‘failure”. Thomas Edison failed thousands of times before he became a light bulb. Conversely, ‘failure” in a government apparatus means suspension or investigation. So, any officer is better off taking the safe route rather than doing something ‘revolutionary” out of the box.
What does the country need most? At the turn India is at today, we need more problem solvers than file signers:
Scientists: who can find a cure for the energy crisis, climate change and new diseases. Innovators: who can develop cheap and effective technologies for everything from farming to waste management. Entrepreneurs: who do not just ask for government jobs, but create jobs for thousands of people. Wave of Change: From ‘General’ to ‘Specialist’ It’s time to change our education system and societal thinking.
Expertise: We need to replace General Administrators with experts in that field (like Health Tech, AI, and Space Science) who have the decision making power. Redistribution of honor: When a ‘patent’ scientist in society is accorded equal or greater respect than a ‘collector’, then the nation’s youth will be drawn to the lab. “Administration gives stability to the country, but innovation makes the country great.
There are many big challenges today in front of a vast and diverse country like India—population, environmental crisis, increasing demand for energy, agricultural problems and technical competition. It is not only administrative management that needs to address these challenges, but scientific thinking and innovation as well.
It is often discussed that administrative services, especially Indian Administrative Service (IAS) are highly respected and valued in the country. It is true that the IAS officers play a vital role in governance and implementation of policies, but an administrative framework alone does not suffice for long term development of the country. It needs scientists, researchers and young innovators just as much.
Administration and the balance of innovation
IAS officers enforce policies, administer plans and smooth the administrative arrangements. But without new technologies, scientific discoveries and industrial innovations, the progress of any country is limited.
History has witnessed that countries who made science and research a priority have moved at a faster pace globally. Scientists working in the fields of space science, information technology and medicine for example have given a new direction to human life.
The role of scientists
India too has had many great scientists who made the country’s identity known on a global scale. Like A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who brought the missile and space program to new heights, and C. V. Raman, whose discovery illuminated India in the world of science.
The contribution of these scientists proved that knowledge and research can change the direction of a country.
The need for innovation
In today’s world **Artificial Intelligence, bio-technology, space research and renewable energy are moving rapidly. If India is to become strong in global competition, then the youth must be driven towards science, research and innovation.
Developing a culture of research in schools and universities, strengthening laboratories and promoting scientific thinking are the demands of the hour.
Message for the youth
Many young people today see only administrative services or government jobs as their only route to success. While the country also needs young people who develop new technologies, make scientific discoveries and find new solutions to society’s problems.
If more and more young people become scientists, engineers and innovators, the country’s economy, industry and technology will progress rapidly in all areas.
conclusion
Administrative services strengthen the country’s system, but real change often comes through science and innovation. So India needs young people who have the courage to explore and come up with new ideas, rather than just get a job.
Only when administrative efficiency and scientific innovation work together can India emerge as a strong, self-reliant and developed nation. |
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