“True values of conceiving an idea or making an exemplary contribution by an individual lies in the organisation’s ability to translate it into meaningful and lasting outcomes for the public and government’s priorities.”
Got into the government service, during those days of 90s, when getting a job was very crucial for a moderately decent survival. Getting a government job, has of course been happy beginning of life for me also, like other cotemporaries of the time. The government ’job’ became ‘service’ in the latter part to a larger extent. In humble positions also got golden opportunities, where I learnt, evolved and contributed to the best of abilities – without making much noise of accomplishments in the corridors of power.
2. I have always believed that outstanding work is rarely the achievement of an individual alone. It is the culmination of collective efforts, which, when aligned with a common purpose, translate into the fulfilment of an organisation’s goals and objectives. An individual may conceive an idea or make an exemplary contribution, but its true value lies in the organisation’s ability to translate it into meaningful and lasting outcomes for the public and government’s priorities.
3. In a hierarchical administrative system, meaningful contributions are possible only when there is an enabling environment that encourages initiative, provides freedom to express ideas, and extends the guidance and support of seniors and colleagues. At times, pursuing an immediately achievable or individually rewarding objective may not necessarily serve the larger interests of the organisation. True accomplishment, therefore, lies in keeping institutional objectives and public interest above individual considerations.
Looking back on my service career, I consider myself blessed to have been entrusted with opportunities to work on complex administrative, regulatory, legal and policy matters, often beyond the conventional responsibilities associated with my cadre and position. Whatever I could contribute was possible because the system placed its trust and confidence in me and provided me with the opportunity to learn, participate, evolve and deliver.
I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest minds in government and public administration. Their leadership, guidance and professional approach have shaped my understanding of governance and public service. I regard these experiences not merely as professional milestones, but as invaluable opportunities for learning and personal growth.
4. Now, let us take you to the glimpses of my journey in service in the Departments – giving an overview of my service.
I. Department of Telecommunications and TRAI: (Foundation in Administration and Regulatory framework)
My career began in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), where I worked for more than 12 years. My responsibilities included establishment and personnel matters, as well as issues relating to the restructuring of the Department.
I was the first Section Officer posted to the newly created Restructuring Cell of DoT. During this period, the Department witnessed significant institutional changes, including the separation of service-providing operations through the creation of BSNL and the establishment of the regulatory framework under the TRAI Act, 1997.
This assignment gave me the opportunity to observe the functioning of distinguished administrators of the time. Their professional approach and administrative vision left a lasting impression on me.
Subsequently, I joined the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) as Senior Research Officer on deputation. I was associated with the drafting of several regulations aimed at protecting consumer interests. These regulatory initiatives contributed to strengthening the framework for consumer protection and benefited citizens at large.
My experience in DoT and TRAI laid the foundation for my subsequent engagement with institutional restructuring, regulatory mechanisms and policy formulation.
II. Land & Development Office: Digitisation of records and Management of Complex Lease administration of lands and legal matters
My tenure as Deputy Land & Development Officer (L&DO), for a period of about four years, was among the most challenging and enriching phases of my career. I had the opportunity to work under the guidance of senior bureaucrats of the time.
The assignment involved handling complex land administration and revenue matters, together with a substantial volume of litigation. These responsibilities required an understanding of legal and procedural intricacies that are not ordinarily part of the initial training of a CSS officer. I therefore undertook the challenge of familiarising myself with the subject and its legal dimensions through intensive, on-the-job learning.
One of the most satisfying contributions during this period was the conceptualisation and initiation of the digitisation of land records, which has begun in the year 2005 itself, along with the development of the online E-Dharti portal for lease administration. This initiative subsequently became an important mechanism for the delivery of public services relating to land administration. The fact that such services are now managed through an online platform gives me considerable professional satisfaction.
My responsibilities, inter alia, also involved monitoring and handling a large volume of litigation, including approximately 600–700 cases before the Delhi High Court and around 100 cases before the Supreme Court. Managing these matters required sustained coordination, close monitoring and a careful appreciation of legal and administrative issues.
This assignment taught me that systemic improvements, supported by technology and sound administrative processes, can make public service delivery more accessible, transparent and efficient.
III. JnNURM and Smart Cities Mission: Exposure to transformational urban policies
My tenure as Under Secretary dealing with the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) and the Smart Cities Mission in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, for about four years, provided another significant opportunity to learn and contribute.
Working under the leadership of senior officers, I was exposed to important policy challenges relating to urban development and governance. The assignments demanded a willingness to learn, understand complex issues and contribute to the formulation and implementation of policy initiatives.
Throughout my career, I often found myself entrusted with challenging assignments that required considerable effort and perseverance. While such responsibilities could be demanding, they also provided invaluable opportunities to expand my understanding of governance and public administration.
I take particular pride in having been associated with the launch of the Smart Cities Mission by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2015. Being part of an initiative of national significance was a memorable experience and a matter of professional satisfaction.
IV. Department of Science & Technology: INSPIRE and Science outreach
Upon my transfer to the Department of Science & Technology (DST), I served as Under Secretary dealing with the INSPIRE programme for a very short span of time.During this short period, I had the opportunity to contribute to policy-related work and to the organizing a national-level exhibition as part of the first India International Science Festival (IISF), held at IIT Delhi. The initiative provided a platform for showcasing scientific achievements and promoting scientific awareness.
I was fortunate to receive the guidance of the then Secretary to the Government of India during this phase. The experience further strengthened my appreciation of the role of science communication, institutional collaboration and public engagement in advancing national scientific objectives.
V. Delhi Development Authority: Policy initiatives and lease administration
My deputation to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), where I served as Director about three years, brought me into close association with several significant policy initiatives and decisions relating to urban land management, land pooling policy, lease administration etc. of industries and even land allotted prior to independence.
The Department associated me with important matters, including the change of land use from industrial to residential purposes and the Land Pooling Policy, among other initiatives. These assignments involved complex policy considerations, interdepartmental coordination and the need to balance administrative requirements with broader public interest.
My tenure in DDA broadened my understanding of urban governance, land policy and the challenges involved in translating policy decisions into effective administrative action.
VI. Department of Science & Technology: Institutional reforms and governance of Autonomous Bodies
While working as Director in the Department of Science & Technology, for a period of more than six years, I had the opportunity to work on the streamlining of the functioning of autonomous bodies under the able guidance. The initiative involved the preparation of model bye-laws, amendments to rules, alignment of Recruitment Rules (RRs), and the preparation of policy documents as part of the rationalisation of autonomous bodies. I was also associated with the initiation and its subsequent implementation of the relevant Cabinet decision.
The broader objective was to improve administrative consistency, strengthen institutional accountability and ensure that autonomy was exercised in accordance with applicable government rules and established principles of good governance. Various measures were undertaken to address instances of misuse or misinterpretation of the autonomy available to these institutions.
Throughout this exercise, the guiding considerations were the larger public interest, institutional efficiency and the prudent utilisation of public funds.
I also had the opportunity, while holding additional charge as Deputy Secretary dealing with the relevant subject, to associate myself with several important initiatives, including the formulation of the Geospatial Guidelines in 2021.
These assignments reinforced my belief that institutional autonomy and accountability are complementary principles. Effective governance requires adequate operational freedom, accompanied by appropriate safeguards, transparency and adherence to established rules.
VI. Finance Division: Contributing towards the closing chapter
Towards the concluding phase of my service, I was assigned responsibilities in the Finance Division. for a short span of time. Although the period was relatively short, I endeavoured to discharge my responsibilities sincerely and identify opportunities for improving efficiency in the work entrusted to me. I consider this assignment another opportunity to serve the Department and contribute, within my capacity, to the effective discharge of its responsibilities.
5. Reflections on a career in public service
Looking back, I consider myself privileged to have had the opportunity to work across a diverse range of functional areas, including human resource management, institutional restructuring, regulatory mechanisms, land administration, litigation, urban policy, science promotion, institutional reforms and financial administration.
For a CSS officer, this breadth of exposure has been particularly enriching. It has provided me with opportunities not only to contribute to policy and administrative initiatives but also to understand the intricate legal, procedural and institutional frameworks within which the Government functions.
The common thread running through these assignments has been the belief that public service must remain anchored in the larger public interest and the judicious use of limited public resources.
I remain deeply grateful to the system and to all the senior officers, colleagues and team members who trusted me with challenging responsibilities and enabled me to learn and contribute. Each association enriched my professional understanding in its own way, and I shall always cherish the guidance, encouragement and confidence extended to me.
If there is anything worthwhile that I have been able to accomplish, I see it as the outcome of collective effort, institutional support and the opportunity to work under able leadership. I have learned that the real measure of an officer’s contribution lies not in personal recognition, but in the lasting value created for the organisation and the citizens it serves.
6. The Journey: From boarding the train to reaching the destination
At the culmination of my service career, I was reminded of a train journey. One boards the train with aspirations and expectations, encounters different stations along the way, experiences smooth stretches as well as difficult and sometimes turbulent phases of horrible stations, and continues the journey with the hope of reaching the destination.
My journey, too, has had its share of challenges, demanding assignments, valuable experiences and moments of satisfaction. Every station brought a new lesson; every assignment offered an opportunity to learn; and every association enriched my understanding of public service.
Now, I look back with a sense of fulfilment and gratitude. The journey may not have been without difficulties, but it has certainly been enriching and satisfying.
Even during the concluding phase of my tenure in DST, I was fortunate to receive opportunities to undertake meaningful responsibilities and translate my rich experience with sincere efforts towards achieving the objectives entrusted to me.
I am grateful to the institution that provided these opportunities, to the seniors who guided me, to my colleagues who worked alongside me, and to everyone who contributed to making this journey memorable.
Ultimately, I regard my career not as a record of individual achievements, but as a journey of learning, collective endeavour and service to the public. If my efforts have contributed, even in a modest measure, to improving a system, strengthening an institution or making public service more effective, I shall consider my service well spent.
The opportunities of travelling across different parts of India and abroad, including Japan, the United Kingdom (London, Scotland, Manchester and Lancaster), Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the Philippines, have been enriching and gratifying experiences. These journeys, undertaken during my years in government service, gave me an opportunity to see different places, meet people and understand life from different perspectives. Looking back, I feel that each journey offered something to learn and added a new dimension to my understanding of life and its journeys.
Even, after disembarking from this train, my heart is filled with great sense of satisfaction, humility and gratitude—carrying with me the memories of a fulfilling journey and the enduring lessons of public service.