N R Narayana Murthy Proposes Tapping Management Graduates for Civil Service Improvement

N R Narayana Murthy, a prominent industry figure, suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should consider recruiting civil servants from management schools instead of relying solely on the UPSC examination. This approach aims to shift the national character from an administrative focus to a management-oriented one. Murthy shared these thoughts during an event hosted by CNBC TV18.

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Murthy highlighted that a management-oriented approach emphasises vision, high aspirations, achieving challenging goals, cost control, and quick action. In contrast, the administrative mindset tends to maintain the status quo. He praised Modi's efforts in boosting the economy and suggested exploring whether more managers are needed in government roles rather than administrators.

Management Schools for IAS Talent

Murthy proposed that the government should source Indian Administrative Services (IAS) talent from management schools. Currently, candidates undergo a competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC), focusing on a few subjects. Once selected, they receive training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie.

During this training, candidates specialise in sectors like agriculture, defence, or manufacturing. This marks a shift from creating general administrators to developing subject matter experts who will serve the country for 30-40 years in their respective fields. Murthy believes this change could enhance public service delivery.

The administrative approach has historical roots dating back to 1858 when the East India Company handed over control to the British crown. At that time, civil servants were expected to maintain control and delay implementation. Murthy hopes for a transformation towards a management-oriented nation, urging a change in people's mindset.

Enhancing Public Governance

Murthy emphasised that managers bring speed, creativity, and excellence in decision-making and implementation within public governance systems. He expressed hope that opposition parties would not object to such changes, referencing recent setbacks faced by the government in codifying lateral entry.

Drawing from his conversation with a retired UK Cabinet Secretary, Murthy noted that adapting with time has enabled Britain to provide timely services to its population. He also recommended appointing intellectuals from the private sector as committee chairpersons at par with cabinet ministers to approve major decisions.

Murthy stressed the need to reduce government size, latency of action, inefficiency, and unnecessary bureaucracy. He stands by his earlier remarks advocating for a 70-hour workweek and mentioned that Modi works 100 hours weekly. Despite criticism, Murthy believes hard work is essential for success.

Reflecting on his career at Infosys, Murthy expressed disappointment when the company adopted a five-day workweek in 1986. Until his retirement in 2014, he maintained long working hours. He reiterated his belief that hard work is crucial even for intelligent individuals.

In a lighter moment, Murthy shared a personal anecdote about singing Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" during an autorickshaw ride before proposing to his wife Sudha.