Narayana Murthy stated that the management approach focuses on achieving the impossible, while the administrative approach is often determined to maintain the status quo. (PTI/File)
In a proposal that could reshape the civil services system, Infosys co-founder NR Narayan Murthy recommended that the government select Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from business schools instead of relying solely on the Union Public Service Commission. (UPSC) Exams.
Speaking at the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit in Mumbai on Thursday, November 14, Murthy suggested that this shift would mark a critical shift from the current administrative mindset to a more dynamic, management-oriented approach to governance. He suggested that governance must have a “management mindset” to accelerate economic progress and achieve the ambitious target of a $50 trillion economy by 2047.
“Time has come for India to shift from an administrative mindset to a management mindset. Administration remains unchanged. Management, on the other hand, is about vision and high aspirations. It’s about potentially achieving the impossible,” Murthy told CNBC-TV18.
Murthy’s comments come at a time when the country is striving for greater efficiency and modernization in its public sector, as the Narendra Modi-led government pushes for reforms to boost economic growth. Murthy praised PM Modi for his efforts to drive economic transformation but argued that the administration still lags behind in adapting to the demands of contemporary governance, especially in terms of leadership and decision-making.
A New Vision for Governance
According to Murthy, the current system, which relies on a highly competitive UPSC examination process, produces civil servants primarily trained in general administration. While the UPSC selects individuals with a broad understanding of road administration roles, Murthy believes that the changing demands of governance require a different skill set. He asserted that a management-based approach – which focuses on vision, high aspirations, cost containment, innovation and rapid execution – would be better suited to the challenges of modern governance.
Murthy said that the management approach focuses on achieving the impossible, building public trust and getting things done quickly, while the administrative approach is often determined to maintain the status quo. He pointed out that management is about achieving results efficiently and effectively.
Murthy’s suggestion is rooted in the belief that India’s governance structure needs to be more agile and results-oriented. He proposed that future civil service officers could train in management disciplines at top business schools before being deployed in specialized fields such as agriculture, defense or manufacturing.
Reconsideration of IAS and IPS Recruitment
Under the traditional model, candidates for IAS and IPS must clear the UPSC exam, which tests their knowledge in a range of subjects, and then undergo training in administrative functions. While this has produced generations of civil servants with a deep understanding of governance, Murthy believes it is not enough to meet the needs of a fast-growing country. He said a more specialized approach, where civil service candidates are trained in specific areas such as management, would lead to more effective governance.
Murthy called for a shift that would allow for the development of specialized experts who would work for decades in their chosen fields, effectively contributing to India’s development.
Expanding the talent pool
Further expanding his vision, Murthy proposed that individuals with experience in the private sector and business world be given more prominent roles in government. He suggested that these intellectuals could be appointed as heads of key committees, reporting to cabinet ministers and playing an important role in shaping policy decisions. Murthy’s comments reflect a broader debate about the role of business-minded professionals in public administration.
A call for efficiency and reduced bureaucracy
Murthy also advocated reducing government interference in decision-making, saying that our future prosperity will depend on speeding up decision-making, cutting red tape and ensuring that public sector leaders are more responsive to citizens’ needs. .
Other countries that have made rapid economic progress have a strong management culture in the public sector, he said, adding that we need to create a governance model that is more streamlined and more in tune with the realities of the modern world.
Work Ethic and Leadership
On a related note, Murthy also defended his stance on work-life balance, reiterating his belief in the value of long work hours. During the debate, he stood by his earlier comments about the importance of working 70 hours a week, saying that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi works up to 100 hours a week to meet the demands of his office. While his comments have faced some criticism, Murthy remains steadfast in his belief that a strong work ethic is crucial for both business leaders and government officials.