“If IFS has to perform effectively, its elitism should be preserved, its attractiveness enhanced, and it should be brought to the centre of international relations as it was originally intended to be.” Do you agree with this view? Critically comment.

Ans:

Indian Foreign Service(IFS) is the nerve centre of diplomacy. With growing complex world relations IFS plays a major role but the elite nature of IFS is vanishing due to various reasons:

1. Personnel inadequacy: present intake of IFS officers (900) are too less compare to increasing missions of diplomacy.

2. Lateral entries: lateral entries of many IAS officers who are send in mission without proper training due to this quality of service is compromised. Even many ministries have officers who are specialised in international negotiations this creates disillusionment among IFS officers who are specially trained for the purpose.

3. No direct entry: IFS officers are recruited from same common entrance exam, so
disheartened aspirants who have not cleared for IAS opt for IFS, this reduces the zeal among officers

4. Less attractive and less desirable among aspirants

Reforms needed:

1. It should be made more lucrative so that the right candidate is chosen

2. Practice of ad hoc postings need to be ceased

3. Financial compensation for tough assignments

4. Shortage of personnel is not on mission abroad but in headquarters so temporary deputation from various ministries should be made

5. Separate entrance exam should be there for IFS so that only interested candidate may come forward for this

In many countries IFS is elitist service, India also should work towards in bringing its eliteness by strengthening its professional and specialized character.