Renowned economist and Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), Sanjeev Sanyal, has sparked a heated debate on social media with his recent remarks criticizing the UPSC exam process. According to Sanyal, the UPSC exam, which sees a vast number of aspirants, may be deemed a futile endeavor for many, considering that less than 1 percent of candidates succeed in securing positions.
Sanyal’s observations have drawn attention to the significant investment of time and effort by aspirants, leading to questions about the efficiency and inclusivity of the UPSC selection process. He highlighted the common aspiration among UPSC candidates to secure prestigious positions like joint secretaries, suggesting that redirecting these aspirations towards alternative endeavors could potentially result in greater benefits for the nation.
The economist’s comments have prompted discussions across various social media platforms, with netizens sharing diverse perspectives on the matter. While some argue in favor of the meritocratic principles upheld by the UPSC exam, others echo Sanyal’s sentiments, advocating for a reevaluation of societal norms surrounding career aspirations and opportunities in India.
On Tuesday, an IAS officer expressed skepticism towards Sanjeev Sanyal’s argument, stating, “I can assure that no one who competes in the UPSC exam dreams to become a Joint Secretary. On the other hand, those seeking lateral entry, definitely do.”
This assertion challenges Sanyal’s characterization of UPSC aspirants’ aspirations, suggesting that while becoming a Joint Secretary may not be a primary goal for most UPSC exam candidates, it holds significance for individuals pursuing lateral entry into administrative roles.
Somesh Upadhyay, presently serving as the Collector and District Magistrate of Odisha’s Deogarh, refrained from specifying whether his response was directed towards Sanjeev Sanyal. Notably, Sanyal assumed office in the central government in February 2017 as the Principal Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance and later became a Member of the EAC-PM in 2022.
Although Somesh Upadhyay’s remarks lacked elaboration, they alluded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative of incorporating domain specialists from the private sector into bureaucracy. This initiative aimed to infuse diverse expertise and perspectives into administrative roles, potentially enhancing governance and policy implementation.
In February 2017, the NITI Aayog put forth a recommendation advocating for the infusion of talent from the private sector into the government’s middle and senior management echelons. In response, the Central government took decisive action, opting to appoint outside experts to 10 Joint Secretary positions and 40 positions at the Deputy Secretary/Director level.
The discourse surrounding this move was reignited when an IAS officer, Somesh Upadhyay, offered a rebuttal to Sanjeev Sanyal’s critique of the UPSC exam craze. While Upadhyay’s remarks didn’t directly name Sanyal, they alluded to the latter’s transition into government service, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to introduce domain specialists from the private sector into bureaucratic roles.
Further engagement ensued when a doctor specializing in Medicine in Raipur weighed in on the conversation. The doctor echoed sentiments of skepticism regarding the efficacy of pursuing government jobs, citing limited avenues for impact compared to the private sector. He underscored the significant challenges aspirants face if unsuccessful in UPSC exams, further emphasizing the need for broader career exploration.
Sanjeev Sanyal’s perspective on India’s “poverty of aspiration,” elucidated in a podcast titled ‘The Neon Show,’ delved deeper into societal aspirations and their implications. He underscored the need for a paradigm shift in aspirations, critiquing prevailing societal inclinations towards bureaucratic roles or local political figures. Sanyal urged for aspirations aligned with endeavors yielding substantial societal impact, such as entrepreneurship or innovation.
In his discourse, Sanyal cautioned against the pervasive pursuit of UPSC exams, citing the limited success rate and the potential misalignment with personal aspirations. He advocated for a more nuanced approach, encouraging individuals to pursue bureaucratic roles only if genuinely passionate about administrative responsibilities.
Ultimately, the conversation surrounding aspirations, career choices, and societal progress continues to evolve, with stakeholders from various sectors engaging in dialogue to navigate the complexities of India’s professional landscape.