Abolish the IAS: AI and People's Governance Will End the Era of Bureaucratic Corruption and Waste

Abolish the IAS

In a nation where millions toil under the weight of poverty and inequality, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) stands as a monument to inefficiency, bias, and outright theft. These so-called "steel frame" bureaucrats, once romanticized as guardians of the republic, have devolved into parasites feasting on public funds. They bend rules for their political masters, perpetuate casteist hierarchies, and squander taxpayer money on lavish perks, pensions, and security details—all while delivering subpar governance. It's time to dismantle this relic of colonial rule. Artificial Intelligence (AI), combined with direct people's governance, can handle administrative tasks far more effectively, transparently, and equitably. No more human frailties like greed or favoritism; just cold, efficient code executing the will of the people. If we don't abolish the IAS—and the ornamental governors who rubber-stamp their excesses—we're condemning India to perpetual mediocrity. Let's expose the rot and chart a path forward.The Sordid Saga of IAS Frauds: A Laundry List of LarcenyThe IAS isn't just inefficient; it's a breeding ground for corruption. Time and again, these officers have been caught red-handed in scams that drain billions from the public purse. Here are some glaring examples that prove the system is rotten to the core:

• Ashok Singhvi's Mining Graft: This senior IAS officer and Principal Secretary (Mines) in Rajasthan was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau for a ₹2.55 crore bribery scandal, highlighting how bureaucrats exploit natural resources for personal gain.
• Money-Laundering Conviction in Gujarat: A former IAS officer was sentenced to five years in jail after the Enforcement Directorate uncovered corruption tied to multiple police cases from 2010-2014, involving illicit financial schemes that siphoned public money.
• Bribe-Taking in Odisha: An IAS officer was nabbed accepting a ₹10 lakh bribe, charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act—yet another instance of on-the-job extortion that erodes public trust.
• CGHS Scam in Delhi: A retired IAS officer and 12 accomplices were jailed in a massive corruption case involving the Central Government Health Scheme, with the court likening corruption to cancer that requires aggressive treatment.
• Coalgate Scandal: Former Coal Secretary H.C. Gupta was embroiled in the infamous coal allocation scam, a multi-billion-rupee fraud that exposed deep-rooted collusion between bureaucrats and politicians.
• Assam Raid on Nupur Bora: This IAS officer was arrested in a major anti-corruption operation, revealing a nexus between politicians and bureaucrats that facilitates widespread looting.

These aren't isolated incidents; they're symptomatic of a broader malaise. A comprehensive list from 2015-2025 documents dozens of IAS and IPS officers charged with disproportionate assets, bribery, and more. Even Wikipedia's catalog of Indian scandals includes IAS-linked fiascos like match-fixing and stamp paper scams. And let's not forget anonymous whistleblowers accusing firms like KPMG of corruption enabled by IAS complicity. With 25% of IAS officers deemed corrupt, incompetent, or inefficient—and another 50% complacent—the service is a black hole for resources. Biased, Wasteful, and Outdated: The IAS as a Colonial HangoverBeyond outright fraud, the IAS is riddled with systemic biases that make it unfit for modern India. Caste discrimination permeates the ranks, with former officers like Raghav Chandra openly stating that civil services are not immune to societal prejudices. These bureaucrats often act as lapdogs to casteist leaders, bending rules to favor the powerful while ignoring the marginalized. India's bureaucracy is ranked the worst in Asia, a damning indictment from reports like those by Goldman Sachs and Hong Kong's Political and Economic Risk Consultancy. Financially, the IAS is a colossal waste. Officers enjoy opulent accommodations, round-the-clock security, hefty pensions, and perks that could fund schools or hospitals instead. Billions are spent maintaining this elite cadre, yet they hinder growth rather than enable it. Many lack basic skills like financial analysis, leading to blunders in managing public sector units. The craze for IAS—13 lakh aspirants vying for 933 seats—diverts talent from productive sectors like startups, where unicorns struggle to find skilled workers. Even the government has pushed for forced retirements of tainted officers, admitting the problem. Rules stifling criticism from retirees further expose how the system protects its own. AI and People's Governance: A Superior AlternativeImagine a system where administration runs 24/7 without fatigue, bribes, or biases. AI doesn't bend rules unless explicitly programmed—and even then, transparent algorithms can be audited by the public. Unlike IAS officers who serve criminal politicians, AI executes policies impartially. Paired with people's governance—direct digital voting, citizen assemblies, and blockchain-verified decisions—this duo could revolutionize India. AI streamlines bureaucracy by automating routine tasks, saving up to 35% of budget costs in case processing alone. It enhances decision-making with accurate data analysis, speeds up feedback loops, and reduces human error in welfare assessments. Governments worldwide are using AI to eliminate complexity, automate manual work, and shift accountability from fallible humans to reliable tech. In public service, AI makes agencies more effective, allowing focus on high-level strategy rather than drudgery. It improves discretion in bureaucracy by leveraging superior intelligence, minimizing corruption risks. People's governance ensures AI isn't hijacked by elites. Citizens could vote on key policies via apps, with AI handling implementation—bypassing governors who do little but draw salaries. This hybrid model transforms the state, making it responsive and cost-effective. Time to Scrap the IAS and Empower the PeopleThe IAS isn't serving the people; it's looting them for the benefit of criminal politicians. Their frauds, biases, and waste are indefensible in an era where AI can do the job better, faster, and cheaper. Abolish the IAS and governors now. Embrace AI-driven administration under direct people's control, and watch India thrive. Anything less is complicity in the ongoing heist. The revolution starts with exposing these truths—spread the word, demand change, and build a bureaucracy-free future.