Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is exploring the introduction of a structured mentoring system for IAS and IFS probationers, following discussions in a recent meeting of department secretaries chaired by the Chief Secretary. The move aims to provide young civil service officers with guidance and support during their initial years in government service.
Proposal Discussed at Department Secretaries’ Meeting
The mentoring initiative was formally placed on the agenda to assess whether structured guidance from senior officers could help probationers navigate the challenges of early postings. According to the minutes of the meeting, accessed by TOI, officials discussed learning from the mentoring model in the IPS cadre, which is part of the training needs analysis reforms approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs and implemented through the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy.
IPS Mentoring Model as a Reference
Under the IPS model, each probationer is assigned a senior officer mentor who guides them through district training and early career challenges. The scheme provides structured advice on key areas including:
- Investigations
- Use of force
- Community pressures
- Internal security
- Ethical decision-making
The Academy’s Basic Course document instructs DGPs to appoint “able, efficient and sincere officers” to mentor probationers, ensuring consistent guidance during their formative years.
Kerala’s Approach Will Be Adapted
Officials clarified that Kerala’s proposed mentoring system for IAS and IFS officers will not replicate the IPS model in full. Key features being considered include –
- Voluntary and flexible participation
- Virtual interactions where necessary
- Quarterly meetings, only if feasible
A senior official involved in the discussions noted that the system must balance guidance with administrative realities. “Structured mentoring can help probationers navigate demanding first postings and complex policy environments. But it works only when there is clarity on expectations and when mentors have the space to fulfil the role meaningfully,” the official said.
Chief Secretary Directs Proposal Preparation
Following the discussions, the Chief Secretary instructed the General Administration Department to draft a structured proposal. The framework will include –
- How mentoring could be introduced in Kerala
- Criteria for selecting mentors
- Modes of interaction
- Extent of reporting or documentation required
The government will examine the proposal before operationalising the system. Officials indicated that Kerala’s version is likely to be lighter and more adaptive than the IPS model, but the overarching aim remains: to provide new officers a stable support system during the formative years of their service.
