The Powers and Responsibilities of the IAS Officers in Civil Services

One of the most prestigious and elite government jobs is to be an IAS (Indian Administrative Services) officer. As it is rightly said with powers comes responsibility, this job has more responsibilities as it has power.

The Powers and Responsibilities of the IAS Officers in Civil Services

One of the most prestigious and elite government jobs is to be an IAS (Indian Administrative Services) officer. As it is rightly said with powers comes responsibility, this job has more responsibilities as it has power.

Some misunderstandings always stand around being an IAS. To make it understand being an IAS is more of a service than a job which is dynamic in every aspect and comes with ample challenges. Posts in the table are the posts which only one IAS official can be posted and that varies from state to state. After completing all the stages of selection the IAS officer joins at the post of sub-divisional level as sub-divisional magistrate. After that comes district level and joining is for district magistrate and deputy officer. Post of state secretariat also requires an IAS to hold and they also serve as head of PSU (public sector unit). The IAS can also be a Cabinet Secretary, Joint Secretary and also the Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary.

Let’s take a look on the powers of an IAS:

• The IAS officer is in charge of implementing the government policies and supervising them
• To keep track of the expenditure and submit the details to state legislatures.
• Government make the policies and IAS officer works to frame it, implement it and make sure it works the way it is expected.
• IAS is answerable to state legislature if any irregularities are there in the area of the respective IAS officer.
• All the development work in the area has to be handle by the respective IAS of that area and to look after law and order is maintained.
• An IAS have the power to formulate policies and implement them according to the finances but decision is taken by the minister the IAS is working under.
• Tax courts also comes under the authority of the IAS of that area.
• Prime duty of the IAS is to maintain law and order of that area.
• The IAS works as executive magistrate.
• Policies made by state and central government needed to be monitored and implemented which always taken care by the IAS of that area.
• Travel to the far flung places to monitor the policy implementation.
• Monitoring the expenditure of public funds and utilizing them according to the ownership.
• As far as policy making and decision making is concerned IAS works at various levels of hierarchy such as undersecretary, secretary etc.
• Sometimes giving definitive form to the policies and contributing towards shaping them.
• In addition to the keeping track of implementation of the policy managing daily activities of the government and consulting with the minister responsible for the concerned department.

Knowing about all the facts about power/duties of an IAS we need to know about what exactly one has to do after becoming an IAS. Most candidates dream about a power packed career after they become IAS but here comes the fact that one has to attentive, devoted and not be busy dreaming about your rights and status.

Qualities of an IAS:

1) Leadership:

An IAS officer is a representative of government and his/her leadership skills can make or break the policies made by government. Leadership quality in them motivates others to achieve a consolidated goal and implement the policies and make them work.

2) Administration:

An IAS officer looks after all the administrative matter coming under his jurisdiction. Keeping the knowledge of all administrative tasks is a must for an IAS to look after the administrative matters.

The profile of an IAS officer is very dynamic and duties, power and responsibilities are not limited. The facilities and perks taken by an IAS officer attracts other to join the clan but it comes with huge responsibility