Reva Nayyar, a 1968 batch IAS officer from Haryana cadre, is a former president of the All-India IAS Officers’ Association. She retired in July 2005 as Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development after a career in which she held various posts in the government. In 2005, she was in the running for the Cabinet Secretary’s post but lost out to B K Chaturvedi. If selected, she would have become the first woman to hold the post. But she bears no rancour, as she tells gfiles in this interview in which she also speaks out on the major issues before the 4000-odd members of the Association and the Indian Administrative Service itself.
gfiles: What has been your experience as president of the All-India IAS Officers’ Association?
Reva Nayyar: My term as president was short and, therefore, not very eventful. The major problem in the Association is that not many people come to attend the meetings due to lack of a common agenda or interest. There were times when members were unhappy but did not want to share with others. They neither talk their mind nor discuss the problems. Attendance is a big problem in Association meetings.
gfiles: Does the Association receive suggestions for reforms?
RN: Of course we receive suggestions. We discuss them and write them down and submit to the Administrative Reforms Commission.
gfiles: Does the government listen to the Association?
RN: Yes, the government does listen to us and the concerned ministers talk to us. We are a registered body. We meet the Cabinet Secretary and other officials at regular intervals. We have no problems in meeting top officials as our members are senior bureaucrats. We place our problems before the government and often suggest mechanisms to get rid of undesirable officers.
gfiles: What is the biggest challenge before the Association?
RN: Our members are honest and hardworking, and do not want to indulge in any hanky-panky. The biggest concern before us is protection of our officers. The juniors are a worried lot. In politically sensitive states, IAS officers are concerned as to who will protect them.FOR BLURB-EDITOR There is a general feeling that talented officers are ignored and sycophants are promoted. There is increased questioning among members as to why they should not leave for other lucrative jobs. The biggest challenge before us is how to deal with politically sensitive states. We [IAS officers] are here to serve the people. When an officer is transferred 20 times in 20 months, where is the responsibility? At times, forged FIRs are registered for harassment. Our biggest challenge is to protect the efficient, hard-working and honest officer and bring about a transparent system.
gfiles: Why does an IAS officer feel that he or she is underpaid?
RN: Of course we are underpaid. What we get is a simple house and half the time an old, broken-down Ambassador car. Nowadays, the private sector also offers accommodation and transport. We should be paid handsomely. If the government wants to keep its talent and manpower, it should hike salaries so that we can live with dignity. How does one live with that meagre salary in Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai? Salaries have to be revised.
gfiles: Do you find any qualitative change from earlier days?
RN: Earlier, there was no question of dishonesty. We would hear that somebody had done a small favour for somebody. By and large, people were honest. Officers were fearful. The majority of us are still honest. However, some black sheep are spoiling our image. Earlier, no one could doubt anyone. Now no one is afraid. In the past 10 years, there has been a perceptible change. Now, when a corrupt officer gets off with a warning, others feel they too can get away with something similar. FOR BLURB-EDITOR
gfiles: What can be done now?
RN: Fear of the worst happening to them should be there. The corrupt should be dismissed. There is need for discipline. Why I am worried is that the service is good. The government recruits and nurtures them, and spends resources over the years to make them good administrators. The government should look after them but fear of action by it should also be there. What I believe is: keep the box of apples but take out the rotten ones to keep it unspoilt. The government should keep good officers like a precious commodity.
gfiles: What about the appointment of the Cabinet Secretary, when you were in the running?
RV: Nothing was wrong. This is a selection post. The government has every right to select the person of its choice. The government gets lots of input about an individual before selecting someone for the post. I accepted the decision of the government with grace. I did not resign, I retired.
