The full form of IAS is Indian Administrative Service.
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is the administrative arm of All India Services. It is one of the premier civil services in India and is considered to be one of the most prestigious and toughest administrative service exams in India. IAS officers hold key and strategic positions in the Union Government, State Governments, and public-sector undertakings. They are responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting revenue, and implementing policies and programs of the government at the grassroots level.
What is the History of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS)?
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) has its roots in the colonial period when civil services were classified into three categories: covenanted, uncovenanted, and special civil services. The covenanted civil service was the highest-ranking group and was called the Honourable East India Company’s Civil Service. The unvenanted civil service was introduced for Indians to enter the lower levels of the administration, and the special service included specialized departments such as the Indian Forest Service and the Imperial Police. In 1858, the Honourable East India Company’s Civil Service was replaced by the Indian Civil Service, which was the highest civil service in India until 1947. After the passing of the Government of India Act in 1919, the Indian civil services were divided into two arms, the All India Services, and the Central Services. In 1946, the Central Cabinet decided to form the IAS and the Indian Police Service based on the Indian Civil Service and the Imperial Police, respectively. After the partition of India in 1947, the Indian Civil Service was divided into the Indian Administrative Service and the Pakistan Administrative Service. The IAS was created under the Constitution of India and the All India Services Act, of 1951.
What are the roles and responsibilities of an IAS Officer?
The primary responsibilities of an IAS officer include collecting revenue and functioning as court officials in matters related to revenue and crime. They maintain law and order, implement government policies at the local level as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, District Magistrates, or Divisional Commissioners, and act as a liaison between the public and the government. IAS officers also manage the daily operations of the government, contribute to policy formation, and make key decisions in consultation with ministers or the council of ministers, depending on the importance of the matter. When posted at higher levels in the government, IAS officers hold positions such as joint secretary, secretary, or chief secretary.
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