Name: Mr. Ravi Shankar IAS
Qualification: BE(IT)
Hobbies: Sketching and Painting
Optionals: Public Administration, Tamil Lit.
Board: Prof. K.S. Chalam
Total Mark: 1243
Int. Mark: 165
Rank: 117
Chairman:
1. Whats the meaning of your hometown’s name BODINAYAKANUR?
2. What is the difference between a national park and a zoo? (Current affairs: Tiger issue at
PANNA)
3. What is KG Basin? Who is mining and what?
4. Tell something about Ambani Brothers
5. What is magic behind Reliance’s success?
6. What is the Agricultural Price Commission?
7. What is the MSP of Rice? How will you develop your native place?
Member- II:
1. As you have done IT, tell me the website that provides the details of per capita incomes of
various countries?
2. Which website gives details about the economic indicators of different states?
3. What are the various economic data?
4. Where can you find all the relevant economic data of the country, in a single document?
5. Which department prepares Economic Survey?
Member- III
1. How can you overcome the various problems associated with the space allocation in a
computer?
2. How can you conserve and control power consumption while using computer?
3. what is INSAT-I and INSAT-II
4. How are they related with IT?
5. what is IT?
6. What is the difference between IT and computer science?
7. What role does INSAT-I & INSAT-II play with regard to IT, especially education, weather
report, etc..?
Member-IV:
1. What is earth hour? which country’s initiative is that and in which city it was filly followed?
(current affairs)
2. How can you solve water crisis?
3. What happen if glaciers melt?
4. What are the causes of water crisis?
5. How can you report the geographical information about the features like glacier, land?
6. What is problem with satellite imagery?
7. What are the other methods used to calculate the data?
Member-V:
1. What is the broadband? What is its speed?
2. What is ICT?
3. How does it help in administration?
4. As your hobby is cricket, do you anything about IPL?
5. Why did they shift to South Africa?
6. As it is now in South Africa, can we use the term IPL?
Monday, February 22, 2010
Karthikeyan
Name: Mr. Karthikeyan IRS
Qualification: MBBS
Hobbies: Reading Magazine, Blogging
Optionals: Geography, Psychology
Board: Smt. Shashi Uben Tripathi
Total Mark: 1197
Int. Mark: 198
Rank: 127(2007) got IFS but not joined. 361(2008) got IRS.
I was the last candidate for the morning session and was called in around 1pm. I wished the members ‘good afternoon’ and they wished me back, then I was asked to sit down by the chairperson.
CHAIR PERSON: Dr. Karthikeyan, what are you doing now?
Me: Ma’m now I am working as a duty doctors in a private hospital in Chennai.
CP: What kind of hospital it is?
Me: Ma’m it’s a multi-specialty hospital and they concentrate in OG and pediatrics.
CP: When did you work as a tutor?
Me: Ma’m, I was working as a tutor in pharmacology in manakula vinayakagar medical college, pondicherry last year.
M1: Your hobbies are reading magazine and blogging right?
Me: Yes, sir
M1: I suppose you read newspapers too.
Me: Yes sir, I do read newspapers.
M1: What newspapers you read?
Me: Sir, I read The Hindu, Economics Times and at times Indian Express and Times of India too.
M1: ok. Hindu, Times of India etc. Who is the editor of hindu?
Me: Mr. Ram, sir.
M1: Hindu has become famous in south India in recent times but it was not the case 30 years before ago, why?
Me: (I started to answer but he interrupted me and said that it was not due to standard of news reporting as it was almost the same in all English papers of that times but still only a elite few were reading hindu at that time)
Me: Sir, has always been in a higher standard of English compared to newspapers like Indian Express. 30 years back, only few people had such high standard of English and were able to comprehend fully. Whereas the other newspapers like Indian Express use simple English and people find them easier to read, but now since the literacy levels have gone up and people’s command over English being high especially in urban areas, the readership of hindu risen.
M1: (nodded his head) ok, what are the magazines of hindu?
Me: Sir, The Frontline and a sports magazine called Sports Star.
M2: You are a doctor, right?
Me: Yes, sir.
M2: Why do you medicos come into civil services, I think you can be better of as a Doctor than coming into civil services. Any way, its just a suggestion and you have anyway chosen to be a civil servant. So you need not explain it. Now explain me anti Brahmin movements in Tamilnadu?
Me: Sorry sir, it was not a movement against Brahmin but Brahmanism. E.V. Ramasamy otherwise called the Periyar headed the anti Brahmanism movement and it was directed against caste oppression, superstitious beliefs and rituals and anti women practices. So it was directed against such customs and not against individuals. It has led to the upliftment of lower castes as such.
M2: is the movement still there in Tamilnadu?
Me: Yes sir, his organization still continues under the name “Dravidar kazhagam” headed by Mr. Veeramani.
M3: Is it truly ethical for a doctor to come into civil service especially in a country like India where the doctor population ratio is quite less compared to developed countries?
Me: I won’t let my medicine knowledge to go for a waste and would make sure I use it wherever applicable and moreover (he interrupted at this point and asked can you do more to the society as a administrator? Is it still ethical?)
Me: Sir, wherever it is ethical depends on the individual as an administrator I will be able to address the multi faceted problems of the downtrodden rather than focusing on health alone as a doctor. I want to widen my reach too and I assure you that I would contribute to my society more as an administrator to the fullest of my abilities.
M3: ok, how will you address those problems if you don’t become an IAS and suppose you become an IPS officers? (I had not given any preference to IPS, and initially I thought of telling him that, but later chose to give him an answer)
Me: The problem with downtrodden and low class people is that they have in inherent fear to approach the government being it any departments, this arises due to their low level of literacy and ignorance about their rights and benefits extended to them by the government as an IPS officers, I would make sure the administration, that is the police, under me becomes truly people friendly and make people comfortable in approaching my department. Moreover I will make sure that nobody is victimized based on their low privilege status in society.
M3: Ok, you said something about class, is it possible to root out Varnashram system from our society?
Me: ( I couldn’t get his pronunciation, and so I asked him to pronounce it again) he then asked, What is Varnashram again (now I got it) sir, it is system of division of the society into four major classes.
M3: Do you think it is possible to make a class less society?
Me: It is quite difficult, bit we have to strive for it
M3: Ok, you mentioned about multi faceted problems? What are they?
Me: Sir, there are many and the important ones among them are illiteracy, poverty, under nourishment, political under empowerment, low awareness, fear….
M3: Ok. fear, awareness about what?
Me: sir, fear to approach the government and claim their rights, they are basically unaware of the various government programs and benefits extended to them.
(I realised that this member was putting me under stress, so I tried to remain cool)
M4: Dr. Who is the first president of India?
Me: Sir, Mr. Rajendra Prasad.
M4: How is the president elected?
Me: Sir, he is elected by an electoral college comprising of the elected members of the parliament, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and the elected members of the state legislative assemblies of the state.
M4: Then how is vice-president elected?
Me: Sir, he is elected by an electoral college comprising of the members of the pariliament only.
M4: What is the other difference between the two elections?
Me: Sir, in president election only the elected members votes whereas in the vice president’s election both elected and nominated members vote.
M4: Do you know about bicameral legislature?
Me: Yes sir, its present in few states where doth legislative assembly and legislative council exist.
M4: How many states have it?
Me: Sir, I am not sure, can I make guess?
M4: Yeah, tell me
Me: I think it is six states
M4: Yes, right. What are the states?
Me: Sir, it is in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and others I don’t know sir.
And again M3 took over.
M3: Why did you teach pharmocology instead of practising as a doctor in that medical college?
Me: Sir, I liked pharmocology a lot even during my college days and I also like teaching thats why I took up the job of a tutor.
M3: But don’t you think a doctor teaching pharmocology is actully wasting his medical talent in an area which can be handled by teachers from non medical background like those from Msc well?
Me: I would like to differ from you sir. A doctor with a practtical knowledge of using nedicines to treat patients will be in a more favourable position to teach the practical aspects of pharmacology in a more detailed manner than a non-medical teacher, that’s why even the medical ouncil of India has made it mandatory for the heads of the departments in a medical college to be from medical background only?
M3: But all pharmacy colleges are run with non medical heads very efficiently
Me: Pharmacy colleges generally teach only the theoritical aspects of pharmacy, whereas in a medical college there is a need to teach the practical aspects as well, that’s why I think doctors are needed there sir.
Then M4 interrupted.
M4: Did the management force you to take up tutor job?
Me: No sir, its actually the reverse they wanted me to work in the clinial side and I had to convince them to give me the tutor job.
Atlast the chairperson again took over.
CP: (looking through my bio-data) I think you are alloted a service last year. Ok first what are your preference last year?
Me: Ma’m, last year my first preference was IAS and I couldn’t get it to my rank, my second one was IPS and I was rejected on medical grounds and so I was allotted IFS.
CP: On what medical reason?
Me: Ma’m they rejected me on the account of flat feet.
CP: ok. Why din’t you take IFS?
Me: Ma’m, IAS has always been my dream job, though I like IFS too for the kind of job profile it offers, I interestingly felt that my heart always lies with IAS. I always wanted to be a part of the job system which has direct impact on the everyday life of a common man, moreover (she interrupted saying its ok and put the next question)
CP: As a bureaucrat how will you maintain neutrality in your work?
Me: Ma’m, as a bureaucrat I will make sure that I take decision after comprehensively analysing the problem with the rational mindset and also make sure that such decision are not altered due to external pressure in short my decision will be based on rationality and justice and will be unbiased.
CP: What you specifically mean by political neutrality?
Me: Ma’m, for me political neutrallity means working on behalf of the government and not on behalf of any political party, its about working in the interest of people alone.
Then she said good luck. And thus my interview ended.
(Overall the board was very cordial, around 20 to 25 minutes, since I was the last canditate to be interviewed in that session, it couldn’t have lasted longer)
Qualification: MBBS
Hobbies: Reading Magazine, Blogging
Optionals: Geography, Psychology
Board: Smt. Shashi Uben Tripathi
Total Mark: 1197
Int. Mark: 198
Rank: 127(2007) got IFS but not joined. 361(2008) got IRS.
I was the last candidate for the morning session and was called in around 1pm. I wished the members ‘good afternoon’ and they wished me back, then I was asked to sit down by the chairperson.
CHAIR PERSON: Dr. Karthikeyan, what are you doing now?
Me: Ma’m now I am working as a duty doctors in a private hospital in Chennai.
CP: What kind of hospital it is?
Me: Ma’m it’s a multi-specialty hospital and they concentrate in OG and pediatrics.
CP: When did you work as a tutor?
Me: Ma’m, I was working as a tutor in pharmacology in manakula vinayakagar medical college, pondicherry last year.
M1: Your hobbies are reading magazine and blogging right?
Me: Yes, sir
M1: I suppose you read newspapers too.
Me: Yes sir, I do read newspapers.
M1: What newspapers you read?
Me: Sir, I read The Hindu, Economics Times and at times Indian Express and Times of India too.
M1: ok. Hindu, Times of India etc. Who is the editor of hindu?
Me: Mr. Ram, sir.
M1: Hindu has become famous in south India in recent times but it was not the case 30 years before ago, why?
Me: (I started to answer but he interrupted me and said that it was not due to standard of news reporting as it was almost the same in all English papers of that times but still only a elite few were reading hindu at that time)
Me: Sir, has always been in a higher standard of English compared to newspapers like Indian Express. 30 years back, only few people had such high standard of English and were able to comprehend fully. Whereas the other newspapers like Indian Express use simple English and people find them easier to read, but now since the literacy levels have gone up and people’s command over English being high especially in urban areas, the readership of hindu risen.
M1: (nodded his head) ok, what are the magazines of hindu?
Me: Sir, The Frontline and a sports magazine called Sports Star.
M2: You are a doctor, right?
Me: Yes, sir.
M2: Why do you medicos come into civil services, I think you can be better of as a Doctor than coming into civil services. Any way, its just a suggestion and you have anyway chosen to be a civil servant. So you need not explain it. Now explain me anti Brahmin movements in Tamilnadu?
Me: Sorry sir, it was not a movement against Brahmin but Brahmanism. E.V. Ramasamy otherwise called the Periyar headed the anti Brahmanism movement and it was directed against caste oppression, superstitious beliefs and rituals and anti women practices. So it was directed against such customs and not against individuals. It has led to the upliftment of lower castes as such.
M2: is the movement still there in Tamilnadu?
Me: Yes sir, his organization still continues under the name “Dravidar kazhagam” headed by Mr. Veeramani.
M3: Is it truly ethical for a doctor to come into civil service especially in a country like India where the doctor population ratio is quite less compared to developed countries?
Me: I won’t let my medicine knowledge to go for a waste and would make sure I use it wherever applicable and moreover (he interrupted at this point and asked can you do more to the society as a administrator? Is it still ethical?)
Me: Sir, wherever it is ethical depends on the individual as an administrator I will be able to address the multi faceted problems of the downtrodden rather than focusing on health alone as a doctor. I want to widen my reach too and I assure you that I would contribute to my society more as an administrator to the fullest of my abilities.
M3: ok, how will you address those problems if you don’t become an IAS and suppose you become an IPS officers? (I had not given any preference to IPS, and initially I thought of telling him that, but later chose to give him an answer)
Me: The problem with downtrodden and low class people is that they have in inherent fear to approach the government being it any departments, this arises due to their low level of literacy and ignorance about their rights and benefits extended to them by the government as an IPS officers, I would make sure the administration, that is the police, under me becomes truly people friendly and make people comfortable in approaching my department. Moreover I will make sure that nobody is victimized based on their low privilege status in society.
M3: Ok, you said something about class, is it possible to root out Varnashram system from our society?
Me: ( I couldn’t get his pronunciation, and so I asked him to pronounce it again) he then asked, What is Varnashram again (now I got it) sir, it is system of division of the society into four major classes.
M3: Do you think it is possible to make a class less society?
Me: It is quite difficult, bit we have to strive for it
M3: Ok, you mentioned about multi faceted problems? What are they?
Me: Sir, there are many and the important ones among them are illiteracy, poverty, under nourishment, political under empowerment, low awareness, fear….
M3: Ok. fear, awareness about what?
Me: sir, fear to approach the government and claim their rights, they are basically unaware of the various government programs and benefits extended to them.
(I realised that this member was putting me under stress, so I tried to remain cool)
M4: Dr. Who is the first president of India?
Me: Sir, Mr. Rajendra Prasad.
M4: How is the president elected?
Me: Sir, he is elected by an electoral college comprising of the elected members of the parliament, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and the elected members of the state legislative assemblies of the state.
M4: Then how is vice-president elected?
Me: Sir, he is elected by an electoral college comprising of the members of the pariliament only.
M4: What is the other difference between the two elections?
Me: Sir, in president election only the elected members votes whereas in the vice president’s election both elected and nominated members vote.
M4: Do you know about bicameral legislature?
Me: Yes sir, its present in few states where doth legislative assembly and legislative council exist.
M4: How many states have it?
Me: Sir, I am not sure, can I make guess?
M4: Yeah, tell me
Me: I think it is six states
M4: Yes, right. What are the states?
Me: Sir, it is in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and others I don’t know sir.
And again M3 took over.
M3: Why did you teach pharmocology instead of practising as a doctor in that medical college?
Me: Sir, I liked pharmocology a lot even during my college days and I also like teaching thats why I took up the job of a tutor.
M3: But don’t you think a doctor teaching pharmocology is actully wasting his medical talent in an area which can be handled by teachers from non medical background like those from Msc well?
Me: I would like to differ from you sir. A doctor with a practtical knowledge of using nedicines to treat patients will be in a more favourable position to teach the practical aspects of pharmacology in a more detailed manner than a non-medical teacher, that’s why even the medical ouncil of India has made it mandatory for the heads of the departments in a medical college to be from medical background only?
M3: But all pharmacy colleges are run with non medical heads very efficiently
Me: Pharmacy colleges generally teach only the theoritical aspects of pharmacy, whereas in a medical college there is a need to teach the practical aspects as well, that’s why I think doctors are needed there sir.
Then M4 interrupted.
M4: Did the management force you to take up tutor job?
Me: No sir, its actually the reverse they wanted me to work in the clinial side and I had to convince them to give me the tutor job.
Atlast the chairperson again took over.
CP: (looking through my bio-data) I think you are alloted a service last year. Ok first what are your preference last year?
Me: Ma’m, last year my first preference was IAS and I couldn’t get it to my rank, my second one was IPS and I was rejected on medical grounds and so I was allotted IFS.
CP: On what medical reason?
Me: Ma’m they rejected me on the account of flat feet.
CP: ok. Why din’t you take IFS?
Me: Ma’m, IAS has always been my dream job, though I like IFS too for the kind of job profile it offers, I interestingly felt that my heart always lies with IAS. I always wanted to be a part of the job system which has direct impact on the everyday life of a common man, moreover (she interrupted saying its ok and put the next question)
CP: As a bureaucrat how will you maintain neutrality in your work?
Me: Ma’m, as a bureaucrat I will make sure that I take decision after comprehensively analysing the problem with the rational mindset and also make sure that such decision are not altered due to external pressure in short my decision will be based on rationality and justice and will be unbiased.
CP: What you specifically mean by political neutrality?
Me: Ma’m, for me political neutrallity means working on behalf of the government and not on behalf of any political party, its about working in the interest of people alone.
Then she said good luck. And thus my interview ended.
(Overall the board was very cordial, around 20 to 25 minutes, since I was the last canditate to be interviewed in that session, it couldn’t have lasted longer)
Arun Sundar Thayalan IAS
Name: Mr. Arun Sundar Thayalan IAS
Qualification: B.com
Optional: First: Commerce, Second: Pub.Ad.
Hobbies: Listening to music, reading books,
visiting orphanage
Board: Smt. Shashi Uben Tripathi
Total Mark: 1298
Interview Mark: 165
Rank: 22
Me : Good morning Madam, Good morning Sirs
Chairperson: (with cordial and pleasant smile) Good Morning
C.P: Take your seat..
: your name is Arun Sundar.. is arun your name? (i said 'yes' Ma'm and before i continuing.. She moved on)
You finished your graduation on 2005 and now almost 3 years (i said 4 years) what did you do in this mean while ?
Me: After graduation IAS as career- started preparing for it and ACS
CP: What is ACS
Me: i explained
CP: your hobby is listeningto music. what kind of music you listen?
Me: mainly film music now also some classical music
CP: what is the classical music of India?
Me: Carnatic and Hindustani
CP: what is the difference between our classical music and western?
Me: (I murmured Ragas but did't tell..) sorry i don't know
CP: RAGAS based on which our classical singers sing..
(she pointed out to the members sitting to her left)
M1: you finished graduation in 2005 and for the last 4 years what are you doing.?
Me: i repeated the same answer. he too doesn't know about ACS
M1: did you work after graduation
Me: no sir
M1: he continued you studied management and accounting in ACS, recently there was a controversy about an accounting standard. Do you know that? what is the controversy? what will be the best in public interest?
Me: I talked elaborately on accounting standard 11 (and purposefully I said I oppose the governments decision and told my reason for that)
M1: your opinion ok.. what is the accounting body says?
Me: I told the ICAI's opinion which was similar to my opinion
M1: Arun you are from Tuticorin. Tell us something about the exports and imports from Tuticorin Port Trust
Me: I said coal coal primary import and marine primary export
M1: Is there Fish processing industries in Tuticorin?
Me: Yes sir there is two leading private companies
M1: what will be the impact of Sethu Samudram Shipping Canal Project on Tuticorin? Port Trust?
Me: I said the merits like foreign exchange benefits and up gradation of tuticorin port into a hub port etc..
M1: (interrupted abruptly) No, i'm asking about the impact on the port, you are saying the benifit of SSCP (and he uttered something else too, which i can not hear)
Me: (since i can not understand him) sorry sir, i couldn't understand you
M1: what are the ports that will benefit from SSCP?
Me: Tuticorin, Chennai, Ennore major ports & Nagappatnam minor ports
M2: (intervened) ...you said Primary export of TPT is marine goods. What wll be the impact of SSCP on the fisheries?
Me: Less if not zero impact. NEERI report-Govt. precautionary 60 crore project on Rameshwaram sea shore.
M2: What fisherman say?
Me: Apprehension of coral reef, biosphere reserve, planktons damaged, iol spill and wastages of ships
M2: What the Govt. says?
Me: ( i started once again NEERI etc, he stopped)
M2: Govt. says once SSCP gets activated new fishes may come.. what do you think
Me: Sorry sir i don't know
M2: Okay, Recently NDTV has declared 7 wonders of India.. What are the seven wonders? What will be the seven wonders you would choose?
Me: I asked them i have to tell my seven wonders or NDTV's ?
(M2 started before that Chairperson intervened and told say your seven wonders)
Me: I sayed upto 5 wonders and said sorry
M3: You studied B.com (Computer Application), How will your computer application will work in rural areas?
Me: It could help for farmers, students, common man
M3: Tell us some computer application which has substantially affected the common man
(i was thinking for few seconds)
Chairperson: Quick tell Three application
Me: I told E-governance application
M4: You are from Tuticorin, your farmers are earning crores of crores in Jatropha cultivation. I hope you know that. what is the agro-climatic conditions required for the cultivation of Jatropha plant?
Me: Jatropha is a all weather crop but in Tuticorin dry land is best suitable.. no other crops are economically viable ( M4 found I was making an intelligent reasoning since Tuticorin is a dry climate... so as expected, he intervened)
M4: If i plant Jatropha in Jaisalmar, in which during day time 41 degree C night temperature fall below zero, can Jatropha grow there?
Me: I don't know sir..
M4: okay no problem. Recently supreme court has advised Urban Local Bodies to go for double entry book keeping. What will be the impact?
Me: Sir, it is a better accounting practice...
M4: (once again intervened) We know that. What will be the impact on the local bodies which even can not give salaries to its employees?
Me: ( i couldn't understand his perspective, i thought positive aspect only) I don't know sir
then he explained the negative implication..
CP: Your hobby is reading books. what kind of book you are reading.
Me: usually fictions navel of Tamil and English
CP: of?
Me: on
CP: in
Me: ( I begged sorry and laughed. she too smiled)
CP: What is the last book you read?
Me: Jeffrey Archer's Kane and Abel
CP: is it? ( she gave a warm smile) Did Jeffrey Archer come any time to India?
Me: I don't know
CP: last year he came to India and there was some hue and cry in New Delhi.. okay
CP: Visiting Orphanage.. What is the name of he orphanage
Me: Nesa Karangal (before continuing chairperson interrupted}
CP: You just visit or do any other work
Me: Ma'm we don't just visit
CP: Last Question ( both of us stopped at the same, ma'm got little bit angry. I immediately apolozised and asked her to go for the next Qs.)
CP: 50% of our population is youth. Is it an boon or a Disability to India?
Me: I listed Demographic Dividend, availability of labour force, productivity, production, competitive advantage but for all skill improvement, utilization mechanism needed, health and education problem. unless skills improved and utilized, it is a disability
CP: (She gave me a confused smile) unless skills were there it will be a liability
Me: Yes ma'm
CP: (once again a warm smile) okay Arun you may go now..
Me: i thanked the chair person and members and walked slowly towards that
Qualification: B.com
Optional: First: Commerce, Second: Pub.Ad.
Hobbies: Listening to music, reading books,
visiting orphanage
Board: Smt. Shashi Uben Tripathi
Total Mark: 1298
Interview Mark: 165
Rank: 22
Me : Good morning Madam, Good morning Sirs
Chairperson: (with cordial and pleasant smile) Good Morning
C.P: Take your seat..
: your name is Arun Sundar.. is arun your name? (i said 'yes' Ma'm and before i continuing.. She moved on)
You finished your graduation on 2005 and now almost 3 years (i said 4 years) what did you do in this mean while ?
Me: After graduation IAS as career- started preparing for it and ACS
CP: What is ACS
Me: i explained
CP: your hobby is listeningto music. what kind of music you listen?
Me: mainly film music now also some classical music
CP: what is the classical music of India?
Me: Carnatic and Hindustani
CP: what is the difference between our classical music and western?
Me: (I murmured Ragas but did't tell..) sorry i don't know
CP: RAGAS based on which our classical singers sing..
(she pointed out to the members sitting to her left)
M1: you finished graduation in 2005 and for the last 4 years what are you doing.?
Me: i repeated the same answer. he too doesn't know about ACS
M1: did you work after graduation
Me: no sir
M1: he continued you studied management and accounting in ACS, recently there was a controversy about an accounting standard. Do you know that? what is the controversy? what will be the best in public interest?
Me: I talked elaborately on accounting standard 11 (and purposefully I said I oppose the governments decision and told my reason for that)
M1: your opinion ok.. what is the accounting body says?
Me: I told the ICAI's opinion which was similar to my opinion
M1: Arun you are from Tuticorin. Tell us something about the exports and imports from Tuticorin Port Trust
Me: I said coal coal primary import and marine primary export
M1: Is there Fish processing industries in Tuticorin?
Me: Yes sir there is two leading private companies
M1: what will be the impact of Sethu Samudram Shipping Canal Project on Tuticorin? Port Trust?
Me: I said the merits like foreign exchange benefits and up gradation of tuticorin port into a hub port etc..
M1: (interrupted abruptly) No, i'm asking about the impact on the port, you are saying the benifit of SSCP (and he uttered something else too, which i can not hear)
Me: (since i can not understand him) sorry sir, i couldn't understand you
M1: what are the ports that will benefit from SSCP?
Me: Tuticorin, Chennai, Ennore major ports & Nagappatnam minor ports
M2: (intervened) ...you said Primary export of TPT is marine goods. What wll be the impact of SSCP on the fisheries?
Me: Less if not zero impact. NEERI report-Govt. precautionary 60 crore project on Rameshwaram sea shore.
M2: What fisherman say?
Me: Apprehension of coral reef, biosphere reserve, planktons damaged, iol spill and wastages of ships
M2: What the Govt. says?
Me: ( i started once again NEERI etc, he stopped)
M2: Govt. says once SSCP gets activated new fishes may come.. what do you think
Me: Sorry sir i don't know
M2: Okay, Recently NDTV has declared 7 wonders of India.. What are the seven wonders? What will be the seven wonders you would choose?
Me: I asked them i have to tell my seven wonders or NDTV's ?
(M2 started before that Chairperson intervened and told say your seven wonders)
Me: I sayed upto 5 wonders and said sorry
M3: You studied B.com (Computer Application), How will your computer application will work in rural areas?
Me: It could help for farmers, students, common man
M3: Tell us some computer application which has substantially affected the common man
(i was thinking for few seconds)
Chairperson: Quick tell Three application
Me: I told E-governance application
M4: You are from Tuticorin, your farmers are earning crores of crores in Jatropha cultivation. I hope you know that. what is the agro-climatic conditions required for the cultivation of Jatropha plant?
Me: Jatropha is a all weather crop but in Tuticorin dry land is best suitable.. no other crops are economically viable ( M4 found I was making an intelligent reasoning since Tuticorin is a dry climate... so as expected, he intervened)
M4: If i plant Jatropha in Jaisalmar, in which during day time 41 degree C night temperature fall below zero, can Jatropha grow there?
Me: I don't know sir..
M4: okay no problem. Recently supreme court has advised Urban Local Bodies to go for double entry book keeping. What will be the impact?
Me: Sir, it is a better accounting practice...
M4: (once again intervened) We know that. What will be the impact on the local bodies which even can not give salaries to its employees?
Me: ( i couldn't understand his perspective, i thought positive aspect only) I don't know sir
then he explained the negative implication..
CP: Your hobby is reading books. what kind of book you are reading.
Me: usually fictions navel of Tamil and English
CP: of?
Me: on
CP: in
Me: ( I begged sorry and laughed. she too smiled)
CP: What is the last book you read?
Me: Jeffrey Archer's Kane and Abel
CP: is it? ( she gave a warm smile) Did Jeffrey Archer come any time to India?
Me: I don't know
CP: last year he came to India and there was some hue and cry in New Delhi.. okay
CP: Visiting Orphanage.. What is the name of he orphanage
Me: Nesa Karangal (before continuing chairperson interrupted}
CP: You just visit or do any other work
Me: Ma'm we don't just visit
CP: Last Question ( both of us stopped at the same, ma'm got little bit angry. I immediately apolozised and asked her to go for the next Qs.)
CP: 50% of our population is youth. Is it an boon or a Disability to India?
Me: I listed Demographic Dividend, availability of labour force, productivity, production, competitive advantage but for all skill improvement, utilization mechanism needed, health and education problem. unless skills improved and utilized, it is a disability
CP: (She gave me a confused smile) unless skills were there it will be a liability
Me: Yes ma'm
CP: (once again a warm smile) okay Arun you may go now..
Me: i thanked the chair person and members and walked slowly towards that
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
P abraham
Abraham concludes that the biggest incentive to a civil servant is, to be a part of the growth process of the country, actively participate in policy making and implement them effectively and be a Facilitator for a Change. The civil services offer excellent opportunities to serve the aam aadmi and the poor for the inclusive growth of the country.
TARUN NAYAK
Interview was with Dr. K.K. Paul’s board. It was on 28th March 29, 2009, forenoon. It started at 12:05 and ended at 12:30 i.e. 25 minutes.
Chairman: What is your name?
C: What is your Roll No.?
C: Which Attempt?
(I don’t know why he was asking this. Everything was written in the form)
C: Where are you from?
(I think rather than interviewing, he was interrogating me …may be … former IPS officer!!)
C: Have you studied in Delhi?
(How come he can make such an assumption? There wasn’t anything in the form which could relate to Delhi)
C: You have done B.Tech from IIIT Hyderabad?
C: You have been Teaching Assistant in IIIT?
C: Was it before graduation or after?
C: You have won 1st prize in Creative Writing?
C: What is Creativity?
C: Is it in written form?
C: What have you written?
C: What was the topic?
Ans: Sir, the theme was Valentine’s Day and the topic was “Now or Forever”.
C: What is Valentine’s Day?
C: Do you support celebration of Valentine’s Day?
C: Is Valentine’s Day against Indian Culture?
C: But it is a Western concept?
C: What about its commercialization and opposition from organizations like Sri Ram Sene?
Member 1: You are from Satna. What is Satna famous for?
M1: Do you support “Sons of the soil” concept?
M1: But by this you can remove Regional disparities?
M1: What about the people going for under developed states to developed ones?
M1: What should be done for their development?
M1: What is the focus of 11th Plan?
M1: Tell me about the political situation in M.P.
M1: What are the common points of the manifestos of major parties?
Member 2: You are from IIIT Hyderabad. How is your IT knowledge beneficial in government?
M2: Andhra Pradesh has made good use of e-governance. In which way?
M2: What is the programme in Karnataka?
M2: Which is the most prominent Cyber Crime these days?
M2: What is Cyber Terrorism?
M2: What is its impact?
Member 3: Who is the director of IIIT?
M3: He was associated with IIT?
M3: What is the latest development in Hyderabad with regard to Town Structure?
Ans: Sir, Greater Hyderabad Development Authority. It has integrated all the municipal corporations in Hyderabad
M3: Anything else?
Ans: No, Sir. I don’t remember anything else.
M3: What about airport?
M3: What is the problem people are facing with airport?
M3: What should be the solution?
M3: What will be your focus as Town planner of Hyderabad?
Lady Member: Road accidents in India are highest in world. What strategy would you adopt to lessen it?
L: What about the conditions of Roads?
L: But accidents are mostly on highways and it has good roads?
L: IIIT Hyderabad… Expand it?
L: Is it government setup or private?
L: What are the exchange collaborations of IIIT?
L: What are government initiatives and support for IIIT Hyderabad?
C: Who coined the term BIMARU? There is a book in which it was used for the first time.
C: Why M.P. is a BIMARU state?
C: What is the percentage of Tribal population in M.P. and what are its problems?
C: What should be the solution?
C: Chattisgarh has more under developed areas. So why after its partition, M.P. is still a BIMARU state?
C: Which cities of M.P. have defence production establishments?
C: What is in Jabalpur?
C: What is in Itarsi - Hoshangabad?
Chairman: What is your name?
C: What is your Roll No.?
C: Which Attempt?
(I don’t know why he was asking this. Everything was written in the form)
C: Where are you from?
(I think rather than interviewing, he was interrogating me …may be … former IPS officer!!)
C: Have you studied in Delhi?
(How come he can make such an assumption? There wasn’t anything in the form which could relate to Delhi)
C: You have done B.Tech from IIIT Hyderabad?
C: You have been Teaching Assistant in IIIT?
C: Was it before graduation or after?
C: You have won 1st prize in Creative Writing?
C: What is Creativity?
C: Is it in written form?
C: What have you written?
C: What was the topic?
Ans: Sir, the theme was Valentine’s Day and the topic was “Now or Forever”.
C: What is Valentine’s Day?
C: Do you support celebration of Valentine’s Day?
C: Is Valentine’s Day against Indian Culture?
C: But it is a Western concept?
C: What about its commercialization and opposition from organizations like Sri Ram Sene?
Member 1: You are from Satna. What is Satna famous for?
M1: Do you support “Sons of the soil” concept?
M1: But by this you can remove Regional disparities?
M1: What about the people going for under developed states to developed ones?
M1: What should be done for their development?
M1: What is the focus of 11th Plan?
M1: Tell me about the political situation in M.P.
M1: What are the common points of the manifestos of major parties?
Member 2: You are from IIIT Hyderabad. How is your IT knowledge beneficial in government?
M2: Andhra Pradesh has made good use of e-governance. In which way?
M2: What is the programme in Karnataka?
M2: Which is the most prominent Cyber Crime these days?
M2: What is Cyber Terrorism?
M2: What is its impact?
Member 3: Who is the director of IIIT?
M3: He was associated with IIT?
M3: What is the latest development in Hyderabad with regard to Town Structure?
Ans: Sir, Greater Hyderabad Development Authority. It has integrated all the municipal corporations in Hyderabad
M3: Anything else?
Ans: No, Sir. I don’t remember anything else.
M3: What about airport?
M3: What is the problem people are facing with airport?
M3: What should be the solution?
M3: What will be your focus as Town planner of Hyderabad?
Lady Member: Road accidents in India are highest in world. What strategy would you adopt to lessen it?
L: What about the conditions of Roads?
L: But accidents are mostly on highways and it has good roads?
L: IIIT Hyderabad… Expand it?
L: Is it government setup or private?
L: What are the exchange collaborations of IIIT?
L: What are government initiatives and support for IIIT Hyderabad?
C: Who coined the term BIMARU? There is a book in which it was used for the first time.
C: Why M.P. is a BIMARU state?
C: What is the percentage of Tribal population in M.P. and what are its problems?
C: What should be the solution?
C: Chattisgarh has more under developed areas. So why after its partition, M.P. is still a BIMARU state?
C: Which cities of M.P. have defence production establishments?
C: What is in Jabalpur?
C: What is in Itarsi - Hoshangabad?
Dr. Shahid Iqbal, IFS
IAS Interview by Dr. Shahid Iqbal, IFS
I entered the room and wished the Chairman and members, collectively, a good afternoon. The Chairman Mr I M G Khan smilingly welcomed and offered me the seat. I thanked him and took the seat.
Khan: What's your correct name? is it SHAID or SHAHID:
SI: Sir, it's Shahid but in matriculation records it was wrongly entered as SHAID so I quoted the same for CSE
Khan: Ha Ha…Some Babu must have done that. It happens. But there is a procedure to get it changed too?
SI: Yes Sir, I did that recently and have submitted the revised document now.
Khan: What is the difference between Shaheed and Shahid?
SI: Sir, Shaheed is Martyr and Shahid is Witness.
Khan: That's nice. See how a single alphabet changes the meaning of name. So, Shahid appeared to me as "Perhaps" but you are witness?
SI: (SMILING), Sir
Khan: Just be careful about your name, as it is the computer which makes the result so make it sure some else Shahid may not take away your good score!! Do write many letters to Secretary UPSC citing your correct name!!! I am serious!!
SI: OK Sir, I will do the needful.
Khan: You are posted in Poonch. The district is known for some border related tensions. What problems do the people face.
SI: Sir right now I am posted in Srinagar and having served in Poonch I feel that the Cross-Border terrorism has created a lots of problem for the people. The town is only eight kilometers away from LoC and many times has remained in eye of the storm. The cross-fires and battles along the LoC have really inflicted serious damage to the daily life of the people there.
Khan: Has there been decline in militancy? What are the reasons?
SI: Certainly Yes, Sir. I would say development has been a greater reason which was reflected in lack of local support to the militancy. Moreover the opening up of the borders has played a major role : people have come to know the situation on the other side well.
Khan: What problems do the Gujjars and Bakkerwals face from militancy?
SI: Sir, traditionally the Gujjars have always been critical of the secessionist movement and did never lend support to the militancy. Irked at this the terrorists inflicted serious damages like repeated massacres at many places. Moreover their movement to highland pastures also go hampered.
DS Mathur: What are the causes of militancy in J&K?
SI: Sir, apart from the historical factors, unemployment and poverty had been major reasons which helped the secessionist and militants to misguide the youth.
( WHILE ANSWERING I COULD FEEL HOW COULD A PERSON LIKE ME GIVE SUCH A RUBISH ANSWER TO SUCH A GENERAL QUESTION? 87 LECTIONS, PLEBISCITE DEMAND, 1947, JAGMOHAN AND SO ON…………….I KNEW THE BASICS …BUT THAT'S UPSC PRESSURE TO WHICH WE SUCCUMB SOMETIMES, BUT LUCKILY I COULD RECOVER IN NEXT TWO QUESTIONS. BUT THE DISAPPOINTIMENT OVER MY ANSWER KEPT TAXING MY NERVES TILL I GAINED MY FORM BACK AFTER 5MIN OR SO)
DSM: But poverty and unemployment do exist in UP too, there is no militancy, then why in J&K?
SI: Sir, I meant to say that historical factors are there but these were reasons which helped terrorist to gain local support when the secessionist misguided the youth.
DSM: Do you think elections have to play any role in this?
SI: Certainly sir. It is a known fact that 1987 seven elections were the most rigged elections ever held in JK. This disappointed the masses. The popular leaders who had to be MLAs were declared defeated and those were the persons who lead the militant movement there. Hizb chief is a by-product of 1987 rigging only. On the contrast we see 2002 and 2008 elections as a watershed event there. The kind of overwhelmeing response in the transparent elections has shown the way. Development has been a major reason for this.
DSM: So you think democracy can make or break your state.
SI: Certainly sir.
DSM: You mentioned, earlier, development and other measures. What are they and how they have helped?
SI: An example to cite would be the Qazigund-Bramulla rail link which has bridged the north south divide in Kashmir and opened up new avenues. Second the cross LoC trade and movement of people. The plight of people on other side of line has opened up the eyes of our people. The condition of livelihood and HR. Economy too. Wheat floor is Rs 12/Kg in JK it is Rs 65/Kg in PoK. (Khan exclaimed : My Goodness, INR OR PR? I replied Indian Rupee), Meat here is Rs 120/Kg, and 275 in PoK, Cement 210/bag and 490/bag respectively. These things matter.
DSM: Do you think militancy saved forests? As they were out of bound for people?
SI: Sir, I think it was the other way round. Precious timber like deodar used to be transported to Pakistan through Jehlum in return of money. There had been a trade like that. Terrorists also encouraged local smugglers. So I think it damaged the forests more. (Khan: True, money is a big game for them. Even drugs business is growing under their patronage)
DSM: What are the problems of animal husbandry there? And what about diseases?
SI: Diseases like Rinderpest and FMD were a problem. Rinderpest has been eradicated but FMD remains a serious problem for the livestock. But the problem is with the numbers. We have some 2 million non-producing animals at any given point of time. The tribal people do keep more numbers as a matter of prestige only. I have seen in certain instances 4-6 producing animals in a herd of 150 or so. Its alarming.
DSM: That means a serious grazing pressure?
SI: Of course Sir. It is a serious problem obviously.
Member Three: You Play Volleyball. Where u picked up the Game?
SI: Sir, I started playing at LBSNAA and IGNFA. ( and after that?). well sir I did play in Pooch too where a made a team of my range staff, and I used to play with them in free time. (feels happy over this)
MT: How many team members are there? What are dimensions of court?
SI: Six players of each side. Court is 9 BY 9 on each side and a 3M Middle portion divided by the Net at half I.e 1.5m
MT: Whats difference between Volleyball and Beach Volleyball?
SI: I have not played beach volley ever but have seen people playing during a tour, Beach volleyball has a team of 2 compared to that of six in standard game. Moreover the solid ground in standard game is replaced by sand!!! It is played in coastal areas.
MT: When was it included in Olympics?
SI: I believe in 1960 or so.
MT: Some major game event coming up in Delhi. What and when?
SI: Commonwealth Games in 2010.
MT: What was its earlier name?
SI: (SMILED). Sorry sir, I don't have an exact idea about it!!
MT: Which other Game event of this level was held in Delhi and when?
SI: Sir, Asian Games in early 1980s. ( Asks which year. Sir I think it is 1984 or so, but frankly I don't remember the exact year. Says it was 1982)
MT: What Programme has Army taken up in border areas? And its impact?
SI: There is one "Sadbhavana" mission under which roads, bridges, schools, community centers, etc have been built. This has been a major contribution. It has certainly changed the image of army there.
MT: There was another programme along LoC?
SI: Not a developmental programme but a security measure, the LoC fencing?
MT: Yes, yes. What about it. Is it successful?
SI: Yes sir, to a greater extent. But you cannot fence the whole state!! Like we saw infiltration from Gurez area yesterday. There are inaccessible terrains also where fencing can not help. But certainly it has improved the things on this side.
Member Four: What are the basis of constituencies, like that of LS or Assembly?
SI: A uniform ratio of electorate to representative. Roughly eleven lakhs in case of LS.
MF: What about ST, SCs? What percentage.
SI: Reservation is there for ST/SC. Perhaps, in proportion to population, but I am missing the exact scheme.
MF: What are Parliamentary Committees? Whats the need?
SI: Sir, these are committees constituted by drawing members from both LS and RS. They are entrusted with works related to various ministries.
Since it is not possible for the parliament to go into the basics of everything, say a Forests Bill. So the committees see into pros and cons, suggest measures etc, also budget/expenditure required etc.
MF: When do they work?
SI: (I MISSED THE QUESTION AND STARTED ANSWERING WRONGLY) sir when the bill is introduced then after the diss………..Chairman interrupts(NO NO)…..i said, Sorry I missed the question. Chairman says : You are in hurry to answer that's why. Question repeated. I said: I don't have clear idea. Chairman explains that they work during budget session.
MF: How was the Budget this year?
SI: No budget was presented this year sir, as elections were round the corner. So, I think demands for grants was approved…..something like that…. (FORGOT VOTE ON ACCOUNT)
MF: But you should have studied it in GS for Mains?
SI: Perhaps I am unable to recollect the exact scheme. Economy had always been weak in my case….(.smile.)
MF: What are your service options/preferences?
SI: Sir, IAS, IPS, IFS. But I will join only IAS.
Chairman: But you have also mentioned IRS at 4.
SI: Sir, at the time of filling up mains form I was non-committal about IRS. But now I have decided I will not join any service other than IAS.
MF: Why not IFS? Is it about seniority?
SI: no Sir. I have already put 4 years into IFS. And have done very good work, gained experience too. In IAS I would be starting from a threshold, as job is more or less similar. In IAS I will have to start from Zero. Moreover its all about personal preference. (smile)
MF: If you get Nagaland cadre?
SI: I will join sir. Cadre is not a problem for me today. In 2005 I was committed to leave service if I get any cadre other than JK. But since then I have got a great exposures and have come out of that comfort zone thinking.
MF: Which awards you won in LBSNAA?
SI: Sir, in Photography and Essay writing.
MF: What you learned at LBSNAA?
SI: For me, it was interaction with fellow colleagues in other services and a culture of teamwork, be it trekking or cultural programme. Personally I learned photography and got a skill of writing.
Member Five: Difference Between plants and animals?
SI: Animals can move plants cannot, they can eat and plants do not, plants photosynthesize and animals do not. And the like things……………
M5: But they differ at cellular level too. Do you know what centrosomes are?
SI: (FEELING HELPLESS) Sir I don't remember exactly. It's been a long time I was at cellular level last!
M5: Oh yes, I forgot. That might be the reason.
M5: When is the World Forestry Day?
SI: Sir, I don't know exactly (BLUNDER!!!!!) (M5: But a senior forest officer should know it)
M5: Who was Brandis?
SI: A German forester. Was appointed first IG Forests in 1850s. Started scientific forestry in India.
M5: Under which Ministry Mr. Brandis worked?
SI: Sir, I think it was ministry of Agriculture, because till recently Forest department was under Ministry of Agriculture.
M5: Absolutely right. So tell me when was your Ministry of Environment and Forests created?
SI: Sir, I THINK it was in 1985 ( was not sure) (M5: Yes almost then)
M5: Who is IGF now?
SI: Sir, now we have DG Forests, and many IGs.
M5: Who is DGF?
SI: Sir, Mr J C Kala was in 2007, thereafter I don't know. (Says: Oh You don't know DGF, I said out of sight out of mind perhaps, after academy I concentrated more on affairs in state)
M5: That is a history. Kala retired long back.
M5: Who is Director IGNFA?
SI: Sir, a Haryana Cadre IFS officer was posted recently. Yes, Mr Jakati, Mr B D Jakati. (Thank God, kisi ka naam to aya, wo be ludak ludak k!!!!! pata nahin hai k wo be retire ho gya TO NAHIN!!!!)
MF: What are international forestry institutes?
SI: I DON'T HAVE MUCH IDEA SIR. ONE IS ITC NETHERLANDS WHERE FORESTERS UNDERGO GIS RS TRAINING.( Rejects and explains about other instts)
M5: What is importance of 2011 for Foresters?
SI: One is regarding Climate Change. A protocol to replace Kyoto has to be ratified by then for post-2012.
M5: OK. But 2011 has been designated by the UN as I/N Year of Forestry.
SI: ok sir. (sad feeling. What all nonsense questions he is asking)
M5: What is ICFRE? Do we need such a council?
SI: Sir, it is Indian Council for Forestry, with HQ at Dehradun. Certainly ICFRE has major role to play. It has chain of research and training institutes across the regions in India, where research is done. It collaborates at international l evel too. I think we certainly rquire such a council at National level for coordination between states as well as I/N level. It serves as a resource for state forestry personnel too.
M5: Who is DG ICFRE?
SI: Sir, Mr Jagdish Kishan, an IFS officer of Jammu and Kashmir cadre
M5: POINTS TOWARDS CHAIRMAN.
Khan: Shahid, do you know Urdu? Have you studied poetry?
SI: Sir, I have only working knowledge of Urdu. I have studied it only as a part of curriculum till metric standard. Poetry too I studied but for classroom purpose!!!!
Khan: Ok. Ok, name some poets you have studied then?
SI: (PLAYING SAFE!!), sir as I mentioned only as a part of curriculam, I studied, Mirza Galib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi among others.
Khan: o i see. So recite some couplet of Faiz. Oh you already told u studied only as a part of curriculam. So let me recite for you. YE DAAG DAAG (Something …..i don't remember), said Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Do you know on what occasion he said this?
Khan: He expressed his pain over the partition of India.
SI: OK Sir, now I will remember this .
Chairman: smiles, so Mr Shahid, it was nice talking to a polished gentleman. Thanks a lot.
SI: Thank You sir,.
Barring the answer on militancy other things were smooth. Actually answering that question I was quadruple minded whether to tell the truth or the false information they want. So I bought time by saying existing factors etc, but could recover shortly. Questions like DGF. Forestry Day. Forestry Institutes were though little embarrassing but I could say NO very politely and with a helpless fake smile. While M5 was asking questions I felt at the lowest ebb. But concluding remarks of the Chairman and the overall interview, to some extent makes me feel it was good in deed. BUT A THREAT, OF UPSC BEING MOST UNPREDICTABLE, STILL LOOMS LARGE.
So expectation: 180-195
" KUCHCH ISS TARAH SE HUM NE TAE KARI HAIN MANZILAIN, GIR PADE GIR KAR UTHE, CHAL DIYE AUR CHALTE RAHE"
AND
" DASHT TO DASHT HAI DARYA BHI NA CHHODE HUM NE, BEHER-E-ZULMAT MAI DAUDA DIYE GHODE HUM NE"
I entered the room and wished the Chairman and members, collectively, a good afternoon. The Chairman Mr I M G Khan smilingly welcomed and offered me the seat. I thanked him and took the seat.
Khan: What's your correct name? is it SHAID or SHAHID:
SI: Sir, it's Shahid but in matriculation records it was wrongly entered as SHAID so I quoted the same for CSE
Khan: Ha Ha…Some Babu must have done that. It happens. But there is a procedure to get it changed too?
SI: Yes Sir, I did that recently and have submitted the revised document now.
Khan: What is the difference between Shaheed and Shahid?
SI: Sir, Shaheed is Martyr and Shahid is Witness.
Khan: That's nice. See how a single alphabet changes the meaning of name. So, Shahid appeared to me as "Perhaps" but you are witness?
SI: (SMILING), Sir
Khan: Just be careful about your name, as it is the computer which makes the result so make it sure some else Shahid may not take away your good score!! Do write many letters to Secretary UPSC citing your correct name!!! I am serious!!
SI: OK Sir, I will do the needful.
Khan: You are posted in Poonch. The district is known for some border related tensions. What problems do the people face.
SI: Sir right now I am posted in Srinagar and having served in Poonch I feel that the Cross-Border terrorism has created a lots of problem for the people. The town is only eight kilometers away from LoC and many times has remained in eye of the storm. The cross-fires and battles along the LoC have really inflicted serious damage to the daily life of the people there.
Khan: Has there been decline in militancy? What are the reasons?
SI: Certainly Yes, Sir. I would say development has been a greater reason which was reflected in lack of local support to the militancy. Moreover the opening up of the borders has played a major role : people have come to know the situation on the other side well.
Khan: What problems do the Gujjars and Bakkerwals face from militancy?
SI: Sir, traditionally the Gujjars have always been critical of the secessionist movement and did never lend support to the militancy. Irked at this the terrorists inflicted serious damages like repeated massacres at many places. Moreover their movement to highland pastures also go hampered.
DS Mathur: What are the causes of militancy in J&K?
SI: Sir, apart from the historical factors, unemployment and poverty had been major reasons which helped the secessionist and militants to misguide the youth.
( WHILE ANSWERING I COULD FEEL HOW COULD A PERSON LIKE ME GIVE SUCH A RUBISH ANSWER TO SUCH A GENERAL QUESTION? 87 LECTIONS, PLEBISCITE DEMAND, 1947, JAGMOHAN AND SO ON…………….I KNEW THE BASICS …BUT THAT'S UPSC PRESSURE TO WHICH WE SUCCUMB SOMETIMES, BUT LUCKILY I COULD RECOVER IN NEXT TWO QUESTIONS. BUT THE DISAPPOINTIMENT OVER MY ANSWER KEPT TAXING MY NERVES TILL I GAINED MY FORM BACK AFTER 5MIN OR SO)
DSM: But poverty and unemployment do exist in UP too, there is no militancy, then why in J&K?
SI: Sir, I meant to say that historical factors are there but these were reasons which helped terrorist to gain local support when the secessionist misguided the youth.
DSM: Do you think elections have to play any role in this?
SI: Certainly sir. It is a known fact that 1987 seven elections were the most rigged elections ever held in JK. This disappointed the masses. The popular leaders who had to be MLAs were declared defeated and those were the persons who lead the militant movement there. Hizb chief is a by-product of 1987 rigging only. On the contrast we see 2002 and 2008 elections as a watershed event there. The kind of overwhelmeing response in the transparent elections has shown the way. Development has been a major reason for this.
DSM: So you think democracy can make or break your state.
SI: Certainly sir.
DSM: You mentioned, earlier, development and other measures. What are they and how they have helped?
SI: An example to cite would be the Qazigund-Bramulla rail link which has bridged the north south divide in Kashmir and opened up new avenues. Second the cross LoC trade and movement of people. The plight of people on other side of line has opened up the eyes of our people. The condition of livelihood and HR. Economy too. Wheat floor is Rs 12/Kg in JK it is Rs 65/Kg in PoK. (Khan exclaimed : My Goodness, INR OR PR? I replied Indian Rupee), Meat here is Rs 120/Kg, and 275 in PoK, Cement 210/bag and 490/bag respectively. These things matter.
DSM: Do you think militancy saved forests? As they were out of bound for people?
SI: Sir, I think it was the other way round. Precious timber like deodar used to be transported to Pakistan through Jehlum in return of money. There had been a trade like that. Terrorists also encouraged local smugglers. So I think it damaged the forests more. (Khan: True, money is a big game for them. Even drugs business is growing under their patronage)
DSM: What are the problems of animal husbandry there? And what about diseases?
SI: Diseases like Rinderpest and FMD were a problem. Rinderpest has been eradicated but FMD remains a serious problem for the livestock. But the problem is with the numbers. We have some 2 million non-producing animals at any given point of time. The tribal people do keep more numbers as a matter of prestige only. I have seen in certain instances 4-6 producing animals in a herd of 150 or so. Its alarming.
DSM: That means a serious grazing pressure?
SI: Of course Sir. It is a serious problem obviously.
Member Three: You Play Volleyball. Where u picked up the Game?
SI: Sir, I started playing at LBSNAA and IGNFA. ( and after that?). well sir I did play in Pooch too where a made a team of my range staff, and I used to play with them in free time. (feels happy over this)
MT: How many team members are there? What are dimensions of court?
SI: Six players of each side. Court is 9 BY 9 on each side and a 3M Middle portion divided by the Net at half I.e 1.5m
MT: Whats difference between Volleyball and Beach Volleyball?
SI: I have not played beach volley ever but have seen people playing during a tour, Beach volleyball has a team of 2 compared to that of six in standard game. Moreover the solid ground in standard game is replaced by sand!!! It is played in coastal areas.
MT: When was it included in Olympics?
SI: I believe in 1960 or so.
MT: Some major game event coming up in Delhi. What and when?
SI: Commonwealth Games in 2010.
MT: What was its earlier name?
SI: (SMILED). Sorry sir, I don't have an exact idea about it!!
MT: Which other Game event of this level was held in Delhi and when?
SI: Sir, Asian Games in early 1980s. ( Asks which year. Sir I think it is 1984 or so, but frankly I don't remember the exact year. Says it was 1982)
MT: What Programme has Army taken up in border areas? And its impact?
SI: There is one "Sadbhavana" mission under which roads, bridges, schools, community centers, etc have been built. This has been a major contribution. It has certainly changed the image of army there.
MT: There was another programme along LoC?
SI: Not a developmental programme but a security measure, the LoC fencing?
MT: Yes, yes. What about it. Is it successful?
SI: Yes sir, to a greater extent. But you cannot fence the whole state!! Like we saw infiltration from Gurez area yesterday. There are inaccessible terrains also where fencing can not help. But certainly it has improved the things on this side.
Member Four: What are the basis of constituencies, like that of LS or Assembly?
SI: A uniform ratio of electorate to representative. Roughly eleven lakhs in case of LS.
MF: What about ST, SCs? What percentage.
SI: Reservation is there for ST/SC. Perhaps, in proportion to population, but I am missing the exact scheme.
MF: What are Parliamentary Committees? Whats the need?
SI: Sir, these are committees constituted by drawing members from both LS and RS. They are entrusted with works related to various ministries.
Since it is not possible for the parliament to go into the basics of everything, say a Forests Bill. So the committees see into pros and cons, suggest measures etc, also budget/expenditure required etc.
MF: When do they work?
SI: (I MISSED THE QUESTION AND STARTED ANSWERING WRONGLY) sir when the bill is introduced then after the diss………..Chairman interrupts(NO NO)…..i said, Sorry I missed the question. Chairman says : You are in hurry to answer that's why. Question repeated. I said: I don't have clear idea. Chairman explains that they work during budget session.
MF: How was the Budget this year?
SI: No budget was presented this year sir, as elections were round the corner. So, I think demands for grants was approved…..something like that…. (FORGOT VOTE ON ACCOUNT)
MF: But you should have studied it in GS for Mains?
SI: Perhaps I am unable to recollect the exact scheme. Economy had always been weak in my case….(.smile.)
MF: What are your service options/preferences?
SI: Sir, IAS, IPS, IFS. But I will join only IAS.
Chairman: But you have also mentioned IRS at 4.
SI: Sir, at the time of filling up mains form I was non-committal about IRS. But now I have decided I will not join any service other than IAS.
MF: Why not IFS? Is it about seniority?
SI: no Sir. I have already put 4 years into IFS. And have done very good work, gained experience too. In IAS I would be starting from a threshold, as job is more or less similar. In IAS I will have to start from Zero. Moreover its all about personal preference. (smile)
MF: If you get Nagaland cadre?
SI: I will join sir. Cadre is not a problem for me today. In 2005 I was committed to leave service if I get any cadre other than JK. But since then I have got a great exposures and have come out of that comfort zone thinking.
MF: Which awards you won in LBSNAA?
SI: Sir, in Photography and Essay writing.
MF: What you learned at LBSNAA?
SI: For me, it was interaction with fellow colleagues in other services and a culture of teamwork, be it trekking or cultural programme. Personally I learned photography and got a skill of writing.
Member Five: Difference Between plants and animals?
SI: Animals can move plants cannot, they can eat and plants do not, plants photosynthesize and animals do not. And the like things……………
M5: But they differ at cellular level too. Do you know what centrosomes are?
SI: (FEELING HELPLESS) Sir I don't remember exactly. It's been a long time I was at cellular level last!
M5: Oh yes, I forgot. That might be the reason.
M5: When is the World Forestry Day?
SI: Sir, I don't know exactly (BLUNDER!!!!!) (M5: But a senior forest officer should know it)
M5: Who was Brandis?
SI: A German forester. Was appointed first IG Forests in 1850s. Started scientific forestry in India.
M5: Under which Ministry Mr. Brandis worked?
SI: Sir, I think it was ministry of Agriculture, because till recently Forest department was under Ministry of Agriculture.
M5: Absolutely right. So tell me when was your Ministry of Environment and Forests created?
SI: Sir, I THINK it was in 1985 ( was not sure) (M5: Yes almost then)
M5: Who is IGF now?
SI: Sir, now we have DG Forests, and many IGs.
M5: Who is DGF?
SI: Sir, Mr J C Kala was in 2007, thereafter I don't know. (Says: Oh You don't know DGF, I said out of sight out of mind perhaps, after academy I concentrated more on affairs in state)
M5: That is a history. Kala retired long back.
M5: Who is Director IGNFA?
SI: Sir, a Haryana Cadre IFS officer was posted recently. Yes, Mr Jakati, Mr B D Jakati. (Thank God, kisi ka naam to aya, wo be ludak ludak k!!!!! pata nahin hai k wo be retire ho gya TO NAHIN!!!!)
MF: What are international forestry institutes?
SI: I DON'T HAVE MUCH IDEA SIR. ONE IS ITC NETHERLANDS WHERE FORESTERS UNDERGO GIS RS TRAINING.( Rejects and explains about other instts)
M5: What is importance of 2011 for Foresters?
SI: One is regarding Climate Change. A protocol to replace Kyoto has to be ratified by then for post-2012.
M5: OK. But 2011 has been designated by the UN as I/N Year of Forestry.
SI: ok sir. (sad feeling. What all nonsense questions he is asking)
M5: What is ICFRE? Do we need such a council?
SI: Sir, it is Indian Council for Forestry, with HQ at Dehradun. Certainly ICFRE has major role to play. It has chain of research and training institutes across the regions in India, where research is done. It collaborates at international l evel too. I think we certainly rquire such a council at National level for coordination between states as well as I/N level. It serves as a resource for state forestry personnel too.
M5: Who is DG ICFRE?
SI: Sir, Mr Jagdish Kishan, an IFS officer of Jammu and Kashmir cadre
M5: POINTS TOWARDS CHAIRMAN.
Khan: Shahid, do you know Urdu? Have you studied poetry?
SI: Sir, I have only working knowledge of Urdu. I have studied it only as a part of curriculum till metric standard. Poetry too I studied but for classroom purpose!!!!
Khan: Ok. Ok, name some poets you have studied then?
SI: (PLAYING SAFE!!), sir as I mentioned only as a part of curriculam, I studied, Mirza Galib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi among others.
Khan: o i see. So recite some couplet of Faiz. Oh you already told u studied only as a part of curriculam. So let me recite for you. YE DAAG DAAG (Something …..i don't remember), said Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Do you know on what occasion he said this?
Khan: He expressed his pain over the partition of India.
SI: OK Sir, now I will remember this .
Chairman: smiles, so Mr Shahid, it was nice talking to a polished gentleman. Thanks a lot.
SI: Thank You sir,.
Barring the answer on militancy other things were smooth. Actually answering that question I was quadruple minded whether to tell the truth or the false information they want. So I bought time by saying existing factors etc, but could recover shortly. Questions like DGF. Forestry Day. Forestry Institutes were though little embarrassing but I could say NO very politely and with a helpless fake smile. While M5 was asking questions I felt at the lowest ebb. But concluding remarks of the Chairman and the overall interview, to some extent makes me feel it was good in deed. BUT A THREAT, OF UPSC BEING MOST UNPREDICTABLE, STILL LOOMS LARGE.
So expectation: 180-195
" KUCHCH ISS TARAH SE HUM NE TAE KARI HAIN MANZILAIN, GIR PADE GIR KAR UTHE, CHAL DIYE AUR CHALTE RAHE"
AND
" DASHT TO DASHT HAI DARYA BHI NA CHHODE HUM NE, BEHER-E-ZULMAT MAI DAUDA DIYE GHODE HUM NE"
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