A civil debate

The proposal put forth by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is very bold and interesting. Class XII and XI students do, in any case, appear for multiple entrance examinations, each of a different nature. Engineering entrance requires preparation from Std IX and it is similar for medicine. None of the present entrance examinations conduct a so-called ‘GK’ paper. And that would become important for the Central Services. For the proposal to become a reality there needs to be visible changes in the school curriculum with more focus on national affairs. As things are, our students have no choice but to spread their interests in all directions and see what they can get. There’s nothing like planning a future through the school curriculum. I am totally in support of the proposal but only if curriculum modifications are made.

— (Amit Ahluwalia New Delhi)

I think the present format of recruitment after graduation/post graduation is the most appropriate level of entry for the civil service. Those in Class XII are too young to be recruited. This could restrict the creative talents of the youth. Besides the recruitment is for a generalist job and the present recruitment provides opportunities for men and women from diverse fields to bring their expertise to every available space of administration.

If recruitment is restricted to Class XII, followed up by common training in a national academy, it would result in the IAS being typecast. This would make the institution completely ill equipped to cope with the manifold tasks that it is required to perform. The proposal therefore should not be adopted.

— (Srinivas Voruganti, IAS, 1989 Washington)