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The Steel Frame A History of the IAS
The development and role of the Indian Civil Service was one of the dominant features of the period of the East India Company, and later, British rule in India. It is extraordinary how people employed by a trading company in a foreign land transformed into the most powerful civil service in the world. It was also the first civil service in the modern world where recruitment was on the basis of open competition and not through patronage. Though much criticized, it developed its own character and traditions. It is really unusual that such a service – defined as the ‘steel frame’, on which depended the fortunes and the survival of a huge empire – continued essentially with the same structure and traditions, along with the administrative systems developed over a century, into Independent democratic India. Although much has changed, even today the Indian Administrative Service retains some basic characteristics from the past. This system of governance as it evolved in India is indeed fascinating story. Well researched and detailed in its presentation, Deepak Gupta looks at changes from the past, its present, and also the future of the IAS. He also suggests some measures so that it could re-invent itself to play the important role envisaged by the makers of our Constitution.
- GenresIndiaHistoryNonfiction
368 pages, Hardcover
60 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
Deepak Gupta
76 books29 followersThe Bestselling Author Deepak Gupta is pre-eminently known for writing plain sailing, meticulous, and pragmatic Self-Help books. He’s the author of more than forty books including 10 Principles to Beat Failure that won Google Best Choice 2018 & became Top Seller on Google Play Store in 2019. He has been garnering much acclaim for his 30 Minutes Read & 10 Principles Series. Till now, he has received 500k+ readership & a lot of appreciation from all over the world. He believes in writing & living best exceptional content from his subconscious mind. He loves to observe, absorb, and write on various social issues, inspirational truthful words, short stories, and heart whelming poetry. Also, he has travelled to many places in India like Manali, Rajasthan, Goa, Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu, Dalhousie, and Mussoorie to bring descent originality in his work. He releases new short books every month to get readers to connect with the truth of life.
Deepak Gupta received his post-graduation degree from Delhi School of Economics. Also, when he’s not writing, he can be found wandering on his exquisite terrace garden. He lives with his family in Delhi, India. You can get to know about him by typing the words ‘Author Deepak Gupta’ into Google. No, seriously, try it.
Keep in touch with Deepak via the web:
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Deepak Gupta received his post-graduation degree from Delhi School of Economics. Also, when he’s not writing, he can be found wandering on his exquisite terrace garden. He lives with his family in Delhi, India. You can get to know about him by typing the words ‘Author Deepak Gupta’ into Google. No, seriously, try it.
Keep in touch with Deepak via the web:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordeepa...
Website: https://www.authordeepakgupta.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordeepak...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authordeepakgup
New Book Alert: https://books2read.com/author/deepak-...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 8, 2020
if you ask me to name one book that went beyond leisurely reading to being a supplementary reading for my upsc preparation in recent days then it would be this. More than history as the title suggests it's about the evolution and constant modification of the fraternity with modification. The constant comparison between the pre and post-independent era gives a sketch of the bureaucratic system. Reading this book was intensive and full of information. Since I already had basic knowledge about it I read this book with utmost interest almost like savoring and gorging on information. Starting from the period before civil services, formation, and grounds on which different acts were made..moving forward to the roles and lives of officers and the dynamic relationship with the society as a whole. Something worth mentioning is the extensive bibliography section.
To end with I feel proud to be an aspirant and preparing myself to join a service that is true to its meaning "THE STEEL FRAME".
To end with I feel proud to be an aspirant and preparing myself to join a service that is true to its meaning "THE STEEL FRAME".
April 18, 2019
It has everything you ever wanted to know about the secretive world of IAS. From the inception to inner turmoils of a beginnings of a new officer on field SDM or DO level to CS level and the latest developments like lateral entry that has recently been introduced in the system with a lot of hoopla. I have not seen another book that can do so much justice to the important part of bureaucracy that binds India with its steel frame.
August 4, 2020
Good Book Provides a holistic history of civil servants of how they have changed from ICS and adapted to fulfilling the needs of Independent India. And their relevance in today's focus on specialization
December 30, 2021
Deepak Gupta, an efficient and honest administrative officer, ponders all the important questions related to the Indian Administrative Services. Deepak, with his rich experience in the services, especially, as a UPSC chairman, did the best thing by writing an elaborate journey of the civil services, its importance, fallacies, and rectitude. The author traverses through a long development path of the civil services back from the 18th century till this point in time.
The author traces the origins of civil services in India back in the late 17th century as institutionalised by the British. He provides all the archival records and discussions which were put forth by British personnel in favour of this idea. Further, the author showed how the massive steel frame got Indianised under the guidance of a few key British personnel as a result of demands from the Congress party and rising Western styled scholars in India. Then, the author elicits the importance of Patel and Nehru, alongside other key leaders, in retaining the Indian Civil Services as one of the best legacies of the colonial empire and explains how ICS morphed into IAS.
From that point on, the author focuses entirely on IAS keeping aside other All India Services and Central Services. The author draws experiences of a typical District Collector, charts what is expected from him/her, and how he/she manages everything around it. The author illustrates how the IAS is one of the most esteemed services in India and other oriental countries. But, the author doesn’t fail in calling out the fallacies and ills associated with the ‘Babu’ culture. Identifying the ills helps shape the later part of the book and address the broader questions bothering the government and common people in respect to the administrative services.
The author provides his own recommendations clubbed along with the recommendations of major committees for correcting the course of evolution of the services. The author ponders upon questions concerning the scheme of examination, training in LBSNAA, prospective benefits and potential ills associated with lateral entry, distinction between specialisation and generalisation, importance of 360° feedback’s and appraisals, reward and punishment structures including many other important questions.
In my opinion, this can be considered the Bible for IAS for a couple of decades, i.e., till the questions are positively or negatively addressed. Definitely not a must read. But it surely helps us understand what cohesive force it is for a country as multifarious as India.
The author traces the origins of civil services in India back in the late 17th century as institutionalised by the British. He provides all the archival records and discussions which were put forth by British personnel in favour of this idea. Further, the author showed how the massive steel frame got Indianised under the guidance of a few key British personnel as a result of demands from the Congress party and rising Western styled scholars in India. Then, the author elicits the importance of Patel and Nehru, alongside other key leaders, in retaining the Indian Civil Services as one of the best legacies of the colonial empire and explains how ICS morphed into IAS.
From that point on, the author focuses entirely on IAS keeping aside other All India Services and Central Services. The author draws experiences of a typical District Collector, charts what is expected from him/her, and how he/she manages everything around it. The author illustrates how the IAS is one of the most esteemed services in India and other oriental countries. But, the author doesn’t fail in calling out the fallacies and ills associated with the ‘Babu’ culture. Identifying the ills helps shape the later part of the book and address the broader questions bothering the government and common people in respect to the administrative services.
The author provides his own recommendations clubbed along with the recommendations of major committees for correcting the course of evolution of the services. The author ponders upon questions concerning the scheme of examination, training in LBSNAA, prospective benefits and potential ills associated with lateral entry, distinction between specialisation and generalisation, importance of 360° feedback’s and appraisals, reward and punishment structures including many other important questions.
In my opinion, this can be considered the Bible for IAS for a couple of decades, i.e., till the questions are positively or negatively addressed. Definitely not a must read. But it surely helps us understand what cohesive force it is for a country as multifarious as India.
August 17, 2024
In 'The Steel Frame: A History Of The IAS', Deepak Gupta offers a riveting and insightful look into the inner workings of India's bureaucracy. Through his personal experiences as a civil servant, Gupta sheds light on the complexities of governance, the challenges faced by bureaucrats, and the impact of political pressures on decision-making.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of a robust and independent civil service in ensuring good governance. Gupta argues that the steel frame of India, comprising the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and other civil services, is the backbone of the country's governance structure. However, he also highlights the need for reforms to address issues like political interference, corruption, and lack of accountability.
Gupta's experiences as a district magistrate in Uttar Pradesh and later as a secretary in the central government provide valuable insights into the functioning of the bureaucracy. He shares examples of how political pressures can influence decision-making, and how bureaucrats often have to navigate complex webs of power and influence to deliver results.
The book also delves into the challenges faced by civil servants in implementing policies and programs, particularly in areas like healthcare, education, and rural development. Gupta emphasizes the need for greater autonomy and flexibility for bureaucrats to respond to local needs and circumstances.
Overall, 'Steel Frame Of India' is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of India's governance structure and the role of the civil service in shaping the country's future
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of a robust and independent civil service in ensuring good governance. Gupta argues that the steel frame of India, comprising the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and other civil services, is the backbone of the country's governance structure. However, he also highlights the need for reforms to address issues like political interference, corruption, and lack of accountability.
Gupta's experiences as a district magistrate in Uttar Pradesh and later as a secretary in the central government provide valuable insights into the functioning of the bureaucracy. He shares examples of how political pressures can influence decision-making, and how bureaucrats often have to navigate complex webs of power and influence to deliver results.
The book also delves into the challenges faced by civil servants in implementing policies and programs, particularly in areas like healthcare, education, and rural development. Gupta emphasizes the need for greater autonomy and flexibility for bureaucrats to respond to local needs and circumstances.
Overall, 'Steel Frame Of India' is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of India's governance structure and the role of the civil service in shaping the country's future
December 12, 2019
I read this "highly informative, comprehensive and well researched" book in a day. Loved this book and was waiting to read this since long. Rolibooks always prints enviable titles and this one takes the Cake...
🦊
This book is for every UPSC aspirant who wants to refurbish his or her history of the ICE/IAS and also get a sneak peak in to what the training entails.
~
The author writes like me. To say the least and to not sound self narcissistic, I really think if I had to write down my experiences, this is the kind of research I would pen down....
~
The most sought after post in the country and one of the hardest exams to crack...UPSC is a whole world in Itself. I underlined in every page and made notes.
I had to read 4 other books this week so I had to read this in a go and I did. You should read this too. As simple as that.
_
The bibliography is explorative. The notes and appended notes are something every Indian should know. Facts and analysis is on point. ~
🦊
This book is for every UPSC aspirant who wants to refurbish his or her history of the ICE/IAS and also get a sneak peak in to what the training entails.
~
The author writes like me. To say the least and to not sound self narcissistic, I really think if I had to write down my experiences, this is the kind of research I would pen down....
~
The most sought after post in the country and one of the hardest exams to crack...UPSC is a whole world in Itself. I underlined in every page and made notes.
I had to read 4 other books this week so I had to read this in a go and I did. You should read this too. As simple as that.
_
The bibliography is explorative. The notes and appended notes are something every Indian should know. Facts and analysis is on point. ~
March 15, 2020
what a book! an interesting titbits for all upsc aspirants ..highly recommended
December 23, 2021
Is this a book or a thesis. We will never know.
June 20, 2022
Too verbose. Historical chapters are good but post independence history lack insight
September 28, 2020
This is perhaps one of the best books I have read. This is an interesting read for all those who wanted to know about bureaucracy in the colonial times and its transformation in the independent India. It was a big plus to my upsc preparation and also helped me with some topics of the syllabus. The book is well researched and very well written.
March 11, 2020
This book is best for IAS aspirants
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews