UPSC is a waste of time. Large parts of bureaucracy are dull and boring’: Economist Sanjeev Sanyal

• ByStartupStory     |    March 26, 2024

In a recent podcast conversation on ‘The Neon Show’, economist Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), expressed unequivocal criticism of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), labeling it as a “waste of time.” Sanyal’s remarks have ignited a broader discussion on societal aspirations, the pursuit of alternative avenues, and the role of bureaucracy in India.

Sanyal, known for his insightful perspectives on economic and societal issues, highlighted what he termed as the “poverty of aspiration” prevalent in Indian society, citing examples from states like West Bengal and Bihar. He noted a trend where individuals often aspire towards traditional paths such as civil service due to the lack of diverse role models and societal norms.

Drawing attention to the significant time and effort invested by aspirants in preparing for the UPSC examination, Sanyal questioned the rationale behind such pursuits. He emphasized redirecting youthful energy towards endeavors with broader societal benefits, such as entrepreneurship, sports, arts, and scientific innovation.

Acknowledging the necessity of a competent bureaucracy, Sanyal underscored that the current system might not align with everyone’s aspirations. He highlighted the bureaucratic landscape as predominantly mundane and bureaucratic tasks as often tedious, urging individuals to reconsider their career choices unless genuinely inclined towards administrative roles.

The discussion on societal aspirations extended to the changing landscape of entrepreneurship in India, with Sanyal and podcast host Siddhartha Ahluwalia reflecting on the evolving mindset towards risk-taking and innovation. They observed a shift in attitudes, particularly within the middle class, where entrepreneurship is increasingly embraced, challenging conventional notions of stability and security.

Addressing concerns beyond the realm of bureaucracy, Sanyal criticized the intellectual discourse in India for its reliance on authority rather than evidence-based arguments. He lamented the lack of expansion in the limits of knowledge within Indian academia, urging for a more critical and explorative approach to intellectual pursuits.

Meanwhile, the UPSC’s decision to postpone the civil services preliminary examination to June 16 due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections underscores the significance and scale of the examination process. With approximately 1,056 vacancies expected to be filled through this year’s examination, the UPSC remains a crucial gateway to prestigious government positions, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).

As Sanyal’s remarks continue to reverberate, they prompt introspection not only within the aspirant community but also among policymakers and educators. The conversation sparked by his critique of the UPSC serves as a catalyst for reevaluating societal aspirations, fostering innovation, and reshaping India’s intellectual landscape towards a more evidence-based and exploratory paradigm.

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