Lessons for Young IAS Officers: Reflections from a Retired IAS Officer on Early Days in Haryana
Gustakhi Maaf Haryana: Pawan Kumar Bansal
Lessons for Young IAS Officers: Reflections from a Retired IAS Officer on Early Days in Haryana
A Glimpse into the Early Days of Haryana’s Administration
TD Jogpal, a retired IAS officer from the Haryana cadre, shares his insights on the administrative challenges faced by early officers in Haryana, particularly those posted to districts like Jind. Though originally from Bhiwani, Jogpal has connections with Jind district, which was carved out of Sangrur District of the erstwhile Joint Punjab. He recalls his first posting in Jind after completing his one-year training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy of Administration (now the National Academy of Administration) in Mussourie from July 1968 to June 1969.
Jind District in the Early Days: A Challenging Environment for Officers
Upon joining Jind as an Assistant Commissioner (Under Training), Jogpal found a unique administrative setup. The district had no official residence for the Deputy Commissioner (DC), and the DC was occupying the residence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) from the Joint Punjab days. The DC’s office, along with other important offices like the GA to DC (now CTM), CJM, and Treasury Officer, were housed in the Jind Fort premises. There were no cars provided for the DC or SP, and both officers had only jeeps at their disposal.
Living Conditions and Struggles for Basic Amenities
At that time, Jind had only one subdivision—Narwana—where the officer in charge had a jeep. The subdivision system at district headquarters was abolished during the tenure of Rao Birender Singh as Chief Minister of Haryana. There were no official residences for officers, and both the SP and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) lived in Canal Colony near the rest house. Other officers, including the AC (UT), GA to DC, CJM, one doctor, and clerks, were housed in Gaushala quarters. These quarters had just one room, a small kitchen covered with a tin roof, a hand pump, and a dry latrine at the back.
The Spirit of Early Service: Personal Struggles and Contributions
Jogpal recounts how he, along with fellow officers, had to walk or cycle to their offices, which were about 2.5 kilometers away. He shares a personal memory of how a friend helped him procure a bicycle to make commuting easier. During his early days in service, Jogpal was asked by the DC to preside over the Independence Day celebrations and unfurl the national flag in Narwana. For the occasion, despite not having a summer suit, Jogpal’s friends helped him get one tailored.
Training and Challenges in Early IAS Service
In the early years, officers like Jogpal were posted as full-time BDPOs (Block Development and Panchayat Officers) as part of their training. Jogpal was later transferred to Bilaspur in Ambala District, where he had brought his wife and youngest son. The transfer was challenging, but the DC permitted him to remain in Jind and take on responsibilities in Narwana. Without an official residence for the BDPO at Narwana, the SDM arranged for a rented house for Jogpal, which was owned by a peon from the SDM’s office.
Conclusion: A Time of Sacrifice and Dedication
Reflecting on his early years in service, Jogpal emphasizes the importance of dedication and perseverance in public administration, highlighting the modest conditions under which early officers served. His experiences provide valuable lessons for the younger generation of IAS officers, showcasing the sacrifices made during the formative years of Haryana’s administrative setup.