India Needs Technocrats as Civil Servants to Propel Development

Date:

Trending

The 21st Century has seen rapid changes in the technology and overall lifestyle of people. It has deeply impacted all spheres of our lives, including the way we interact, socializes, understand, and even administer or govern.

- Advertisement -

The governance system thus also evolved to include e-governance, digitalization, and technology-driven policy formulation. However, the pace at which it is evolving in India is much slower compared to other developed economies. 

The present changes like a digital presentation of the Budget, and inclusion of satellite imagery for policy-impact-assessment, and policy-formulation are welcome steps. But are they sufficient for India to emerge as a future leader and Global Super Power?

- Advertisement -

Need for Technocratic Democratic System:

With rapid digitalization and advances in technology, it is indeed needed that the same is incorporated in the governance sector. One can then reasonably argue that the present democratic setup should evolve to include technocrats in the bureaucratic system. Greater participation of technocrats in governance will ensure that the challenges of democracy are timely addressed in innovative ways and the power of technology is leveraged to uplift all sections of society. 

Greater financial inclusion, digital banking, digitalization of identity, and other government processes have ensured a large section of society- access to basic needs in easy steps. One Nation, One Ration Scheme, UDAN Scheme, and High-Speed Trains are all applaudable. It is time that India thinks about its future course of action, and its youths are mobilized to take the next step in change and innovation. 

Greater participation of technocrats in the governance is needed to ensure that the tech-driven approach becomes the hallmark of Indian Policy Formulation and Implementation. The Finance Minister’s Announcement (Budget 2022-23) of National Tele-Counselling via collaboration of NIMHANS and IITB is indicative of the fact that the government is making efforts in the right direction.

Restructuring Civil Services:

The present system of civil services has seen little change in its organization over the last decades. It still follows a system that evolved in the pre-IT era. It thus needs rethinking and restructuring, in the form of dedicated civil servants for technology, to attract young brains into the system and then to make proper use of them. The needed restructuring will help retain some of the best minds in the country (who otherwise choose to migrate to other countries in search of better opportunities as drivers of change, or a better lifestyle). 

Further, a dedicated civil service for technology would encourage better innovation and implementation of technology-driven solutions in the country at large. Dedicated executives to search and implement technology-driven solutions will ultimately help in better adoption of technology at the grassroots level. Such a service will put at the disposal of young minds, the resources and liberty to experiment at smaller levels via pilot projects. 

These technocratic bureaucrats will also serve as a point of contact for millions of enthusiastic young minds who have ideas but lack proper guidance. The appointment of such officers will help accelerate the development of Scientific Temperament among masses at large.   

At senior levels, these officers will be in better positions (via their experience at junior levels) to understand the real hurdles in the implementation of policies and will thus be better suited to provide sound inputs for valuable resources. 

Officers at all levels as technocrats will help in better urban planning, ecosystem management, climate change impact mitigation, and disaster aversion (and not just management). They will serve as India’s Eyes and Brain in ensuring scientific and ecologically sustainable development in all sectors. It will create the technocratic system that the county and world are in dire need of.  

Ensuring Youth Participation:

A country is shaped by its youths. The Indian Dream of Being a Super Power Surpassing China and the USA is cited many times. A quick check reveals that it still is a long way to go, and yet, India exports lots of its talents to the west, or rightly put, loses much of its human capital to it.  

The study of developed economies indicates that industrialization and rapid development precedes economic development. These in turn are propelled by advancement in Space and Defence Sectors. India has gained a significant upper hand in developing indigenous technology in the space sector, may it be NavIC or PSLVs. Its Defence Sector and Missiles are now sought after by smaller nations (Philippines Brahmos deal). These (coupled with young demography) are the precursors to self-reliance and indigenous technology development. 

India thus is at the cross-road where it can leap to be a developed economy in upcoming decades, or lose this golden opportunity and continue to struggle for its fair share in the world economy and international relations. 

The way out is to have our focus right, and acknowledge that the country needs indigenous technology, and for it, we need to retain and provide ample opportunities and resources to our youths to experiment with. We need to rope in universities and institutions across the country to focus on new research and set up government agencies and technocratic set up to help connect young minds (in or out of universities) with the right resources to experiment, develop, and deploy innovative solutions in all walks of life. 

Restructuring the Civil Services for better inclusion of technocrats with suitable resources to help mobilize Youths (to drive the country’s development) can be the first step to start with. 

THE SNAPSHOTS

Sign up to get quick snaps of everyday happening, directly in your inbox.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

- Advertisement -

Support our independent journalism PayPal (Outside India) For PayU (For Indian Readers).

Chandrahas Panigrahi
Chandrahas Panigrahihttp://edukemy.com
Chandrahas Panigrahi aka CP is the Cofounder and CEO of Edukemy.

More Latest Stories

More Articles

How a Money Back Policy Can Be a Smart Financial Choice?

Creating financial security involves strategic planning because investment decisions form one of the essential elements. A money-back policy distributes regular payment distributions to policyholders...

“We Are Not America”: Canada’s New PM Mark Carney On Trump’s Comment On Making it 51st state

In his first public remarks, Canada's New Prime Minister, Mark Carney, reaffirmed Canada's independence and firmly rejected any notion that the country could ever become part of the United States. Carney’s comments came in response to a journalist’s question about whether he would seek...

US President Trump Presses NATO on Greenland Annexation Plans

During a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday, US President Donald Trump...

UK PM Kier Starmer Abolishes NHS England To Bring Health Services Under Govt Control

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to abolish NHS England and bring...

The Role of Edge Computing in AI-Powered Cloud Solutions

With businesses including artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations, cloud computing has grown in...

From Startup to Success: Essential Steps for Landscaping Entrepreneurs

Starting a landscaping business is so exciting, blending creativity with the reward of transforming...

Trump Defends Elon Musk Plan for Federal Job Cuts; Govt Spending ‘Bloated’

Following a meeting with Elon Musk and senior cabinet members, U.S. President Donald Trump...

Trade War: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Announces 25% Tariffs On US Imports

Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday announced a 25% tariff on U.S....
00:01:09

VIDEO: US President Donald Trump Calls NBC A ‘Worst Network’ On Television

During a press meeting at the Oval Office on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump criticized a reporter by calling NBC the 'worst network' on...

RP-Sanjiv Goenka’s Firstsource Opens ANZ HQ and AI Lab in Melbourne

Firstsource Solutions Limited (NSE: FSL, BSE:532809), an RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group company, today announced the...

Meta CPO Chris Cox Sells Shares Worth $8.3 Mn

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) Chief Product Officer Christopher Cox sold 13,556 shares of the...

Life Insurance Death Benefit Payouts: What Your Family Needs to Know

It is important to know more about life insurance policies and their operational modalities....

Personal branding: designing logos for influencers and creators

In today’s digital landscape, personal branding has become more than just a buzzword; it’s...

Demand for plumbers in Oman: which specialists are most in demand?

The demand for skilled plumbers in Oman is steadily increasing due to the country's rapid urbanisation, large-scale infrastructure projects and the ongoing development of...

Meta Executive Chris Cox to Sell $13.5 Million in Shares

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) Chief Product Officer Christopher Cox has filed to sell 20,000 Class A shares worth approximately $13.55 million, according to a U.S. securities filing. The sale, scheduled for February 27, will be conducted through Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. under a Rule...

Logistic Startup Picckup Secures $500K in Seed Funding to Expand Electric Fleet

A Mohali-based mid-mile and last-mile logistic startup, Picckup, on Thursday, raised $500K in series...

Empowering Communities with Water Tech

This is a major problem worldwide; it affects billions of people in homes, villages,...

Pakistan Begins Rice Exports to Bangladesh Under New Government Deal

Bangladesh and Pakistan have resumed direct trade for the first time since 1971. The...

Beyond Firewalls: How Threat Intelligence Platforms Are Transforming Cybersecurity Operations

“Cybersecurity isn't just about building walls—it’s about seeing the enemy before they strike.” In...

Leveraging AI and Modern HR Solutions to Transform Recruitment Strategies for Skilled Workers

In today’s competitive job market, recruitment strategies are rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in...

BC Originals: Exclusive Casino Games on BC.Game

BC Originals are special, exclusive casino games that are just for BC.Game players. All...

Onlygood AI CEO Rajeev Sinha on Future of AI-Driven ESG Data and Supply Chain Transparency

Speaking to TechGraph, Rajeev Sinha, CEO & Co-founder of Onlygood.ai, shares insights on how...

Vishal Puri On Spalba’s Tech-Driven Approach To Venue Booking & Planning

Speaking to TechGraph, Vishal Puri, Co-Founder of Spalba, explains how its platform uses technologies...

Choosing the Right Tax Consultant: A Guide for Businesses and Individuals

For both individuals and businesses, tax planning and compliance are crucial aspects of financial...

Life Insurance Death Benefit Payouts: What Your Family Needs to Know

It is important to know more about life insurance policies and their operational modalities....

IIT Madras and SPF Partners to Enhance Policy Framework for Indian Startups

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding...

Sachin Tendulkar Backed RRP Electronics Partners with Deca Technologies To Enhance Semiconductor Packaging

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar-backed semiconductor manufacturer RRP Electronics has signed a strategic partnership with...

Microsoft Makes Equity Investment in Veeam

American tech giant Microsoft has made an equity investment in Veeam Software to develop...

Adani Wilmar Gets Shareholders’ Approval to Rebrand as AWL Agri Business Limited

Stock exchange-listed Adani Wilmar Limited announced on Tuesday that it has received approval from...

Personal branding: designing logos for influencers and creators

In today’s digital landscape, personal branding has become more than just a buzzword; it’s...

Vishal Puri On Spalba’s Tech-Driven Approach To Venue Booking & Planning

Speaking to TechGraph, Vishal Puri, Co-Founder of Spalba, explains how its platform uses technologies...

INTERVIEW: ADDA’s Krishanu Mukherjee on Transforming Gated Communities

In an interview with TechGraph, Krishanu Mukherjee, AVP of Growth at ADDA.io, explained how...

Choosing the Right Tax Consultant: A Guide for Businesses and Individuals

For both individuals and businesses, tax planning and compliance are crucial aspects of financial...