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Speaking at the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy batted for a more “dynamic and management-oriented” approach to governance
Narayana Murthy said that the management approach focuses on achieving the impossible, while the administrative approach is often fixated on maintaining the status quo. (PTI/File)
In a proposal that could reshape the civil services system, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy recommended that the government select Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from business schools rather than solely relying on the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations.
Speaking at the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit in Mumbai on Thursday, November 14, Murthy suggested that this shift would mark a crucial change from the existing administrative mindset to a more dynamic, management-oriented approach to governance. He suggested that a “management mindset” in governance to accelerate economic progress and achieve the ambitious goal of a $50 trillion economy by 2047.
“It is time for India to move from an administrative mindset to a management mindset. The administration is all about the status quo. On the other hand, management is all about vision and high aspiration. It’s about achieving the plausibly impossible,” Murthy told CNBC-TV18.
Murthy’s remarks come at a time when the country is striving for greater efficiency and modernisation in its public sector, as the Narendra Modi-led government pushes for reforms to accelerate economic growth. Murthy commended PM Modi for his efforts thus far in driving economic transformation but argued that the administrative system still lags in adapting to the demands of contemporary governance, particularly in terms of leadership and decision-making.
A New Vision for Governance
According to Murthy, the current system, which relies on a highly competitive UPSC examination process, produces civil servants trained primarily in general administration. While the UPSC route selects individuals with a broad understanding of administrative roles, Murthy believes that the changing demands of governance require a different skill set. He stressed that a management-based approach – one that focuses on vision, high aspirations, cost control, innovation, and rapid execution – would be more suited to the challenges of modern governance.
Murthy said that the management approach focused on achieving the impossible, building public trust, and completing tasks quickly, whereas the administrative approach was often fixated on maintaining the status quo. He pointed out that management was about achieving results efficiently and effectively.
Murthy’s suggestion is rooted in the belief that India’s governance structures need to be more agile and result-oriented. He proposed that future civil service officers could undergo training in management disciplines at top business schools before being deployed in specific sectors such as agriculture, defence, or manufacturing.
Rethinking IAS and IPS Recruitment
Under the traditional model, candidates for the IAS and IPS must clear the UPSC exam, which tests their knowledge across a range of subjects, and then undergo training in administrative functions. While this has produced generations of civil servants with a deep understanding of governance, Murthy believes it is no longer sufficient for meeting the needs of a fast-evolving country. He said that a more specialised approach, where civil service candidates are trained in specific fields like management, would lead to more effective governance.
Murthy called for a shift that would allow for the development of specialised experts who would work in their chosen fields for decades, contributing to India’s growth in an efficient manner.
Expanding the Talent Pool
Further expanding on his vision, Murthy proposed that individuals with experience in the private sector and business world be given more prominent roles in government. He suggested that these intellectuals could be appointed as heads of key committees, reporting to cabinet ministers and playing a critical role in shaping policy decisions. Murthy’s remarks reflect a broader debate about the role of business-minded professionals in public administration.
A Call for Efficiency and Reduced Bureaucracy
Murthy also advocated for reducing the interference of government in decision-making, and said that our future prosperity would depend on speeding up decision-making processes, cutting down on red tape, and ensuring that public sector leaders are more responsive to the needs of citizens.
Other countries that made rapid economic progress had a strong management culture in their public sector, he said, adding that we needed to create a governance model that was more streamlined and more in tune with the realities of the modern world.
Work Ethic and Leadership
On a related note, Murthy also defended his stance on work-life balance, reiterating his belief in the value of long working hours. During the discussion, he stood by his previous comments about the importance of working 70 hours a week, stating that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi works up to 100 hours a week to meet the demands of his office. While his comments have been met with some criticism, Murthy remains steadfast in his belief that a strong work ethic is crucial for both business leaders and government officials.
