[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]An IAS officer’s core functions are as follows:
- Handling government affairs including policy framing, implementation, and review
- Consulting with various departments and elected representatives
- Managing allocated public funds for various schemes
- Supervising the implementation of different government schemes and policies
- Responding to and coordinating relief operations in response to emergencies such as natural disasters, major accidents, and riots
The functional roles of IAS officers depend on the type of task they are given. They are given three types of tasks:
- Field assignments: These are considered to be the toughest roles an IAS officer can be called upon to perform. After training an IAS officer\’s first job is usually a field job. There are their own complexities in the different levels where they work.a.Functions at the Subdivision level: As a sub-divisional officer, law and order maintenance, development, and administrative management in the sub-division are supervised.
b.Functions at a District level: As a district officer, collector, or deputy commissioner, an IAS performs the same functions as an SDM including overseeing the SDMs.For most IAS officers, fieldwork normally ends at the district level. Many of them work in the State Secretariat and take positions in the State Government. - State Secretariat Assignments: Postings from the State Secretariat involve taking advantage of the experience and expertise gained in the field to advise elected representatives to formulate policies and make decisions on government processes.
- Enterprises in the Public Sector: Many officers are posted on deputation to PSU cadres and become part of the higher management of various enterprises in the public sector such as power discoms, industrial units, etc.
- Central Secretariat Assignments: Secretarial level posts for different ministries at the central government level deal with policy review, formulation, and implementation.There are also provisions for the transfer of IAS officers to outside organizations in the short term, such as the United Nations and other international bodies.
IAS officer’s power
The powers of an IAS officer have been codified through nearly 300 laws. These have been summarized in All India Service Manuals, which the Department of Personnel updates from time to time. Some of these laws are:
- Code of Criminal Procedure (1973): Sections 107,108,109,110,133,144 and 176 lists the powers granted to the magistrates to maintain law and order.
- Tenancy laws define a collector\’s income powers.
- National Disaster Management Act lists the powers of Chief Secretaries and Magistrates in directing operations for disaster relief.
- Arms Act, Drug Licenses Act, Essential Commodities Act, etc. list the powers of IAS officers to enforce regulations in various situations.
While IAS officers can exercise their powers under these laws, they are accountable to the legislatures of state and central government.
IAS officer career
The following is most IAS officers \’ career path. Depending on the allotted cadre, the career paths diverge after probation.
Phase I Training at LBSNAA
Training at the district level in the allotted cadre
Phase II Training at LBSNAA includes a week-long foreign attachment with one of India’s diplomatic missions abroad
Central Government attachment at the nominal position of an Assistant Secretary for three months
Posting as SDM/Joint Magistrate/Sub Collector
Posting as Municipal Commissioner, DDO/CDO
Posting as DM/Collector
Posting at State Secretariats at Director/Joint Secretary level.
Deputation to the Central Government can be opted for during any stage of service after serving for a few years.
Principal/Additional Secretary in the State Secretariat/Central Secretariat
Chief Secretary of a state
Cabinet Secretary
The Indian Cabinet Secretary\’s position is the highest position an IAS officer can aspire to. Chief State Secretary is the highest one can go in the state bureaucracy.
IAS officer salary and benefits
Basic pay of Rs 56100 has been set by the 7th Central Pay Commission for newly inducted IAS officers. With the Union Cabinet Secretary receiving the highest pay at Rs. 250000, there are a total of 18 pay levels for IAS. In addition, IAS officers usually receive the following benefits while on duty:
Subsidized accommodation for the government. Postings at the district level get the best houses in India among any government service.
Household assistance such as cooks, gardeners, etc. (Depending on the requirement)
Security cover (Depending on the requirement)
Most district and state-level posts provide government transportation. Central deputations have fewer vehicle facilities extended to IAS and only officers above a certain rank are getting government vehicles.
Mobile, internet, and telephone charges reimbursement
Free stay in government residences and bungalows, during the course of duty
Monthly pension based on their rank and service duration after their retirement.
For a driven individual, the life of an IAS officer is both challenging and satisfying. It is the perfect opportunity for young people to participate directly in their country\’s administration and development.
Why IAS?
Become a changemaker.
Even today in our country there are remote hamlets where the most basic needs are unfulfilled and the lives of people are miserable. Imagine being responsible for bringing into the lives of people in such places drinking water, transport facilities, health facilities, educational institutions, sanitation, nutrition, and dignity.
You too can become an IAS officer and do your bit to bring about a positive change in the lives of people. Although it is generally believed that the IAS examination is a tough nut to crack and that only a few brilliant people can make it clear, the fact is that anyone who puts into diligent labor can clear the IAS examination. The only requirement is to fully understand and study the exam\’s demands, and this is where guidance from experienced people is important. Using the assistance of field experts will increase the chances of a candidate cracking the IAS exam in the first attempt itself.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
