To become an IAS or IPS officer is a dream of many youths in this country. As not only it is a prestigious job that earns one much respect, but it is also viewed as a platform to work towards social change. However, it is equally true that many of the aspirants want to join civil services as they associate it with absolute power and stature, without realising that this job is more difficult than it is powerful.
IPS officer and Police Commissioner of Indore, Mr. Makarand Deoskar, believes that people who don’t have any idea about the working of bureaucracy should not attempt to join it. Speaking exclusively to Indian Masterminds, he said that the civil services should be seen as a difficult job, rather a responsible job which affects lives of many.
DISPEL THE ROMANCE
Many Bollywood movies have romanticized the characters of a civil servant, be it a Collector or a SP. Watching those movies, the young generation fantasize about joining civil services.
“Their knowledge is naïve. We need to dispel the romance they have created for such jobs. Most of the films show officers beating up the bad guys and criminals, but that is not the only job of the police. Investigating cases and arresting the offenders are just a small part. In today’s world, the police have a much greater role to play,” Mr. Deoskar said.
He also said that being an IPS officer or an IAS officer does not mean one has absolute power. This job does not allow one to be a king and treat others as sub-ordinates. Bureaucracy is based and formed on democratic principles. From Collector to Chief Secretary and from SP to DGP, each one has a role to play and their importance is not bigger than that of the public.
IMPATIENT PEOPLE MUST STAY AWAY
He agreed that being a civil servant allows one to take steps and initiatives for the welfare of the public. And since nothing happens overnight, one might not see the results of their own initiatives because they might get transferred or assigned different responsibility. Hence, according to him, those who want fast results and cannot be patient should never join bureaucracy.
When asked about who should join it, he said, “Those who are hardworking and will be able to work in the criss-cross path, and yet can deliver. Also, those who can accept the polity of the country as well as the state. People who can wait for their work to blossom and be patient must join keeping all the other things in mind.”
Mr. Deoskar is known for starting the ‘New Parade Utsav’ as the Bhopal Police Commissioner. It is a workshop for self-enrichment and capacity development for the welfare of the police officers. The initiative focused on the physical and mental health besides emotional wellness of the police personnel.
