Student: My grandfather used to tell me that the IAS was the most prestigious position in India. Everywhere, IAS officers were admired. However, I rarely hear people complimenting them these days.
Why has there been such a decline in respect for IAS officers?
That’s a really crucial question, Dr. Malpani. IAS officers were once thought to be the backbone of India—honest individuals who would keep the nation united. However, the typical citizen now views them with distrust rather than admiration.
Student: What led to this fall?
Dr. Malpani: Corruption is the main cause. To be fair, not all IAS officers are dishonest. However, most are assumed to be by default. Even those who are honest have a tendency to remain silent when corruption occurs right in front of them. Silence is complicity, not neutrality.
Student: Perhaps, however, they remain silent because the system is too strong.
Dr. Malpani: The system does indeed work against them. But keep in mind that these are the “best brains of India,” chosen after the most difficult test. Who will defend what’s right if even the most intelligent people can’t? They are betraying us by remaining silent.
Consider Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer who revealed Haryana’s land scams. Because he was honest, he was transferred more than fifty times during his career. Tragically, not many of his coworkers openly backed him despite his bravery. Most people remained silent as he was disciplined.
Student: That’s startling. However, there are plenty of officers just like him.
Dr. Malpani: Regretfully, no. Dozens of people turn a blind eye for every Khemka. To take advantage of their benefits, many officers covertly acculturate to politicians. People recall scandals where bureaucrats were instrumental in enabling corruption, such as the coal allocation or UP mining scams. People lose faith in the service as a result of these incidents.
Student: So, the primary cause is corruption?
Dr. Malpani: That’s one of the reasons. The desire for privilege and power is the other. Many young people want to join the IAS to enjoy the bungalow, the red beacon car, and the unquestioned authority—not to serve. Respect inevitably wanes when service turns into a status symbol rather than a sacrifice.
Consider Durga Shakti Nagpal, a young IAS officer who battled the Uttar Pradesh sand mining gang. She was suspended rather than rewarded. The public was furious, but the majority of her coworkers said nothing. Why? since they didn’t want to jeopardise their own benefits and advancements.
Student: So even good officers don’t always help each other out?
Dr. Malpani: That’s right. And that is the main thing that enrages the public. Consider a situation in which a teacher ignores a cheating student in the classroom. Cheating soon becomes commonplace. In a similar vein, the entire cadre is portrayed negatively when one officer accepts bribes while others keep quiet.
Student: That clarifies why there was a decline in respect. However, do you believe that the IAS cannot be fixed?
Dr. Malpani: Absolutely not. Inspiring examples are still available. Officers such as E. Sreedharan, a government engineer who is not an IAS, demonstrated how honesty and effectiveness can improve public projects like the Delhi Metro. Or Aruna Sundararajan, who was instrumental in the digital revolution in India. These instances demonstrate how respect naturally arises when officers behave with vision and courage.
Student: So, the true problem is that while bad examples make up the majority of headlines, good examples are scarce?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. Respect must be earned daily; it is not inherited. And people make judgements based on what they observe. Respect evaporates when they witness officers using their position for personal benefit, harassing whistleblowers, or protecting dishonest politicians.
Student: What can citizens do then? Do we have to accept things as they are?
Never, says Dr. Malpani. The public must continue to demand accountability. To investigate wrongdoing, we have resources like social media, legal notices, PILs, and RTI. We have to stop naively exalting officers. Only those who have earned respect via courage and integrity deserve it.
Student: Should IAS membership still be a goal for young people like me?
Dr. Malpani: Definitely, if your objective is to serve rather than to take advantage of privileges. Fearless officers who view themselves as public servants rather than rulers are desperately needed in India. You can truly make an impact if you approach the service with that attitude. However, you will only contribute to the decay if you join purely for the benefits.
Student: That is sobering. So, the loss of respect is temporary?
Dr. Malpani: Absolutely not. Respect will return the day officers decide to unite against corruption and prioritise the needs of the public. However, until then, the IAS will not be viewed as India’s steel frame, but rather as silent collaborators in corruption.
Student: Dr. Malpani, thank you. You’ve shown me that respect is based on deeds rather than status.
Dr. Malpani: That’s right. India needs officers who support the people, not those who sit in bungalows and rule. Change will occur when people like you demand better and refuse to settle for mediocrity; it won’t come from the top down. We can create a better India in this way.
👉 Are you interested in learning more about accountability, bootstrapping, and prioritising the needs of the people to create a better India? Visit www.empoweredindian.in for additional information and resources. Let’s create a nation that prioritise people!