A former civil servant has caught social media’s attention after revealing why he quit his government job and returned to the private sector. Bharani Vlsvss, an alumnus of IIT Madras who cleared the civil services examination to join the Indian Trade Service, explained that the disparity between different services was one of the primary reasons for calling time on his government career.
“Then there is the question of expertise. At a time when governance is becoming increasingly complex, the need for specialists has never been greater. “There is also the question of satisfaction in government. A system where work or no work often makes little difference. Where accountability is uneven. Where professional standing and career progression can depend more on your service than on what you actually do. As you continue, the job takes a toll.
“To begin with, the disparity between the so-called “elite” services and the others under the civil services umbrella. And I am not talking merely about prestige or perks,” said Vlsvss. Vlsvss said the opportunities, working conditions, institutional standing, and quality of life differed vastly between two government employees. Yet, the system continues to be dominated by generalists, with limited scope for specialists to shape decisions and rise within the institution,” he said. Vlsvss said entering the civil services was difficult, but finding a meaningful exit path was an even more difficult job.
