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In an engaging conversation on The Candid Talk, former CSC MD Dinesh Tyagi shares untold truths about bureaucracy, political pressure, and the ethical choices that define an IAS officer’s journey- insights that may change how you see governance in India.
New Delhi: In the latest episode of the widely discussed podcast The Candid Talk, senior journalist Manoj Tibrewal Aakash spoke with veteran Indian Administrative Service officer Dinesh Tyagi, a 1981-batch Manipur cadre officer and former Managing Director of Common Services Centres.
During the conversation, Tyagi shared deep insights into bureaucracy, governance, and the real challenges faced by civil servants while serving the public.
Tyagi explained that an IAS officer encounters not just one but thousands of challenges throughout their career. Working within the system requires patience, administrative understanding, and strong grounding at the grassroots level. Early training exposes officers to multiple departments, helping them understand governance before taking on major leadership responsibilities later in their careers.
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Reflecting on nearly four decades of service, he emphasized the importance of multitasking, balanced decision-making, and maintaining coordination among public representatives, senior officials, and citizens. According to him, true administrative effectiveness lies in implementing government policies while addressing the expectations of every section of society.
Tyagi recalled that the idea behind Common Services Centres (CSC) emerged from a simple interaction with citizens. When asked how many had visited a government office, most raised their hands but none wished to return due to complex procedures and inconvenience. CSCs were introduced to simplify access to public services and make governance more transparent and citizen-friendly.
Launched in 2016, the CSC network has expanded significantly, with more than 587,000 centres operating across India, including a strong presence in rural regions. These centres now deliver government services efficiently to millions of people.
On the question of dealing with political pressure for unlawful work, Tyagi stated that experience teaches officers how to refuse such demands without confrontation while strictly staying within legal and ethical boundaries. Upholding the law and integrity, he said, remains the true identity of a responsible administrative officer.
The conversation, featured by Dynamite News, offers rare insight into governance, ethics, and the evolving role of India’s civil services.
