"UPSC is Boring, A Waste of Time!" Economist Sanjeev Sanyal's Statement Sparks National Debate

New Delhi: In a recent interview on Siddhartha Ahluwalia's 'Neon Show' on YouTube, renowned economist and member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (EAC), Sanjeev Sanyal, voiced his views on the "poverty of aspiration" prevalent among India's youth, particularly in relation to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. Sanyal's remarks have ignited discussions regarding the societal impact of career aspirations and the pursuit of bureaucratic roles.

Sanyal highlighted the regional dynamics shaping aspirations, citing examples from states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Kerala. He remarked that these states have often produced leaders reflective of limited aspirations within their communities. "It's not just a problem of Bengal having the poverty of aspiration. Even Bihar and Kerala. These states have followed the same and ended up having the same set of leaders," he commented.

The economist emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in societal aspirations, urging individuals to aspire towards broader horizons beyond conventional career paths. "If you must dream, surely you should dream to be Elon Musk or Mukesh Ambani. Why did you dream to be Joint Secretary?" he questioned, underscoring the importance of fostering a culture of risk-taking and innovation.

While acknowledging the evolving aspirations across India, Sanyal expressed concern over the widespread obsession with cracking UPSC exams, describing it as a misallocation of youth's potential. "Lakhs of people spending their best years trying to crack an exam where a tiny number of a few thousand people actually want to get in, makes no sense," he lamented.

Sanyal urged young Indians to channel their energies into diverse endeavors that align with their true passions and talents. "If they put the same energy into doing something else, we would be winning more Olympic gold medals, we'd be seeing better movies being made, we'd see better doctors, we would see more entrepreneurs, scientists, and so on," he asserted.

In conclusion, Sanyal cautioned against pursuing bureaucratic roles unless individuals are genuinely passionate about public administration. He cautioned against the disillusionment that often accompanies a career in bureaucracy, emphasizing the importance of pursuing paths that lead to personal fulfillment and societal progress.

While Sanyal's remarks raised valid concerns about the traditional mindset associated with bureaucratic roles, they also attracted counterpoints from individuals with firsthand experience in the administrative domain. An IAS officer, Somesh Upadhyay, challenged Sanyal's assertion, emphasizing that aspirants competing in the UPSC exams do not merely dream of becoming joint secretaries, as implied. Instead, he pointed to the growing trend of lateral entries from diverse sectors, reflecting a broader spectrum of career aspirations within the civil services.

Further contributing to the discourse, a doctor from Raipur echoed concerns about the limited scope for impactful change within the bureaucratic framework, advocating for alternative avenues where aspirants can channel their energy towards more dynamic and fulfilling pursuits. These viewpoints underscore the evolving landscape of career choices and the need for a balanced approach to professional development.   

Bureaucrats India Reacts

Reacting sharply to Sanyal's statement, Bureaucrats India on X wrote, "Dear Mr Sanjeev Sanyal, we respect your perspective, but we urge you to reconsider the impact of your words on the dreams and aspirations of millions of Indian youth. While it's true that cracking the UPSC exam is challenging, it's also a symbol of the immense dedication and commitment these individuals have towards serving their nation. Every day, across India, countless young minds burn with the desire to become civil servants, to bridge the gap between the government and the people. They see themselves as a hope, bringing light into the lives of those in need. These dreams are not trivial; they are the seeds of change, sown in the soil of determination and nurtured with firm resolve.

Bureaucrats are not merely cogs in the machinery of governance; they are the architects of a better tomorrow. In the nooks and crannies of our nation, they toil tirelessly to ensure that the wheels of democracy turn smoothly. They are the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes, ensuring that every citizen's voice is heard and every need is addressed. Yes, the business tycoons, sportpersons, doctors, scientists, actors and all others contribute to our nation's prosperity, but it is the bureaucrats who safeguard the foundations of our democracy. They are the guardians of equality, the custodians of justice, and the champions of progress. Without them, the wheels of governance would grind to a halt. So, let us not discourage but inspire. Let us nurture the dreams of our youth, for they are the future stewards of our nation. Let us celebrate the spirit of service that burns within them, for it is this spirit that will illuminate the path towards a brighter, better India."