Bureaucrazy Gets Crazier- IAS Unmasked

by M.K. Kaw

IAS or the Indian Administrative Service is not just the biggest national pastime (as a combined number of more than a half million seekers write the Prelims every year), it is also the most entertaining and epicentric nucleus of policy-making in India. Even if there's no vertical accountability to "We, the People of India", these Babus have a world of their own - they read The Economist, play golf, attend AMP courses at Harvard, take study sabbaticals at INSEAD and take a ransom to do just do their job. They are easily the most-wide read amongst India's intellectuals and share a world almost like a Bilderberg or a Freemason society
M.K.Kaw is a retired IAS officer who has been there, done that. He gives a promising preview that entertains as much as it informs in this cheeky book that is sure to be lapped up by all bureaucracy members. M.K.Kaw worked in Himachal Pradesh as well as New Delhi in various postings from Finance Secretary to the Central Pay Commission. The present book is a sequel to an earlier book "Bureaucrazy" published in 1993. It is more elegant, presentable, and full of wit in Wodehousean fashion. Divided into seven parts, and populated with 47 chapters. There is one chapter almost on every conceivable facet of bureaucracy - the ways and means of wives of IAS officers, from egoistic officers like Seshan to diffident members, the need to have Godfathers, to "sir" your officers, the anatomy of corruption, etc. There is only one flaw: while profusely witty and analytical, there's a lot of "bharichaara" and fraternity on the whimsical ways in which the Babus have been ruling our country long after the British Babus have left. Easy read

Genres: India, Nonfiction, Indian Literature

196 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Anil Swarup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many IAS officers could get away with non-performance because they had command over the English language. M K Kaw mentions this in one of the narratives in this brilliant sequel to "Bureaucrazy". He also has that command over the English language but he could distinguish himself in his career . There are other not-so-glorious aspects of the IAS that have been mentioned in the book that any bureaucrat can relate to. However, there are certain serious dimensions that catch your attention though even these are laced with sense of humour.
A must read for all bureaucrats, specially those that can laugh at themselves and yet carry on with the serious business of governance.

[Barry Gilder · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good hearty satirical look at Indian bureaucracy and perhaps bureaucracy everywhere. I suggest South African public servants read it to recognise the pitfalls ahead of us and some already behind.

[Yogesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light hearted satirical take on the IAS babus and their working, makes a very good read to know how bureaucracy is twisted in its own ways and still functioning for the betterment.

[Riju · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been in the government set up for a few years and I wish i had read this book earlier. It clearly shows the experience and one can relate to it. I am also fairly sure that none of the bureaucrat can match the writing prowess of the author....Overall, a humorous ride requiring a dictionary-esque stepney

[SANDEEP DALAL · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book. IAS Unmasked has ruthlessly UNMASKED and UNDRESSED the so called COVETED IAS, with lot of humour. Some of the things are even applicable on private organisation run with a lot of bureaucracy.
Old world english with a lot of complexities suck some of the fun from reading this book.

[Dhyey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book to get an insiders view of the workings of IAS. Deducted one star for difficult language.

From the news it seems things should have changed under the Modi regime. A recommended read for anyone who wants a sneak peek at the workings of the world of bureaucrats.

[Amit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crazy, funny and humourous take on the lives of bureaucrats. Although Author mainly deprecates the lives of IAS (I Am Sorry) in a hilarious take. Book is reminder for all of us to take ourselves bit lightly. The book feels like non stop episode of "Yes Minister" comedy. Loved the read.

[Imran · Rating 5 out of 5]

its a good experience

[Harsimran Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author gives a wholesome view of the service from his experiences in a humorous way and also discusses issues like changing role of the service, commitment, games played.

[Abhijit Gupta · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it is a satirical take on the Indian bureaucracy, it fails to tickle much bones and seems to have been written for a select set of audience.

All in all, a quick light read.

[INDERPAL SINGH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book

[shishir singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will for sure help one master the art of “presence of mind and absence of body” to “Invisible After Sunset”

[Khushi Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

[Hakim Mani · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Bureaucrazy gets Crazier” as the name suggests brings out the lifestyle of these IAS Babus in the most amusing and limpid way. The book tries to explain each and every aspect of life of an IAS officer with efficacy. The temerity of Mr Kaw has to be appreciated for his light hearted opinions on such eminent policy planners of our nation.

The book consists of 47 chapters with fascinating titles giving an Indian feel to the contents of the chapter. The use of Urdu lexicon also familiarizes the reader with the actual language used by the Bureaucrats.
The author has stated various examples of how the bureaucrats have mastered manipulating the laws and outlaws with equal felicity, thus yielding a deeper look at how things work at the upper level.
It is an easy and must read for those who have a gusto towards Indian Administrative Services.

Best Quote from the book
“Selfishness is the best insurance towards disloyalty”

[Chandrashekar · Rating 3 out of 5]

M K Kaw is an archetypal ICS (though in fact he is an IAS). Suave, scholarly, Oxford/Cambridge educated, part of the upper class elite and witty with a rather special focus on the complexities of words used. This book made me scurry for the English dictionary more than once. For all the reasons mentioned above, this book was bound to be readable. It is fast paced, witty throughout and at some levels improves your understanding of the workings of the long maligned bureaucracy. What it lacks in content, it makes up through its presentation. Just like how bureaucrats work. But it is not a book to read for everyone. The target audience being retired, working and aspiring bureaucrats. For others, it might be a bore with little specks of humor strewn across which might bring a smile on your face.

[Parth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It makes for an interesting read sprinkled with witty anecdotes, incisive insights and mature advices. Though it gets repetitive in certain portions yet it is an essential read to gain perspective into the working of the glorified babus! It covers all stages of the career of a Bureaucrat from the entry in to service to rising in the ranks to dealing with the unavoidable, unpleasant reality of retirement. It also touches upon the steady personal and non-existent social life of the officials. Easy and funny to read.

[Rajesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author a veteran of the civil services presents a generic view of the services in his own distinctive writing style. It is not a book which analyzes the merits/demerits of the services nor tries to rationally understand the problems and try to propose solutions. A satirical comment of the services at best.

[Shahid Ansari · Rating 5 out of 5]

practical reality explained in the best possible way..witty..

[Sagnik Nag · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satirical stump on Indian Bureaucrats ! Though times have changed , still it's good to know how it originated .

[Vikas Soni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaw’s delicate humor makes the book an excellent read.

[Sandhya Chandramohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is one hell of a book. A must-read. But after you crack the Civil Services not before, lest you might get discouraged of the endeavour. :P

[Jayesh Deore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous book, throughout the essays kaw speaks his heart with sceptical humour.
I particularly liked the last half, which is later added.

[Bhaskar kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

There aren't more than 5 pages where you don't laugh, giggle, smirk, or smile.
Laced with humor all around.