Inside The Secretariat: From Retired Babus To Rising Women Cadre

Post-Retirement Spirituality

Many retired IAS officers in Gujarat, now settled in cities like Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, are embracing a healthier lifestyle. Morning and evening walks, along with light exercise routines, have become part of their daily schedules. While some are actively engaged in social service or offering consultancy services to private firms, others have chosen a more spiritual path.

One notable example is Rajkumar, the former state Chief Secretary, who resides in Gandhinagar. He begins his day with prayers and rituals at local temples and is frequently seen participating in religious activities during both morning and evening hours.

Walking has also become a regular part of his routine as a way to stay fit. Once immersed in bureaucratic duties at the Secretariat, Rajkumar is now enjoying a peaceful and content retired life. Although there was speculation around his appointment to a senior government role after he retired in January, no such position has materialised so far. However, insiders suggest a high-level appointment may still be on the cards.

More Women Officers In Gujarat IAS

The presence of women in the Gujarat IAS cadre is steadily rising. Of the 255 IAS officers currently serving in the state, 57 are women. Among the 17 new IAS recruits of 2023 and 2024, a striking 14 are women. Notably, eight officers who joined the IAS in 2024 are presently undergoing training.

Among the youngest recruits is 25-year-old Anjali Thakur from Bihar, followed by Vrushali Kamble and Neha Byadwal, both 26 years old, from Maharashtra and Rajasthan, respectively. While earlier, approximately 20 to 25 officers retired annually, the trend of younger recruits is gradually decreasing the rate of retirements.

Falling Interest In Post-Budget Dinner

As is tradition, the Finance Department hosted a dinner for IAS officers at the Circuit House following the budget session. Though the event was scheduled for 7 PM, only 3-4 officers showed up on time, leading to confusion and sparse attendance.

Officers who arrived punctually were surprised by the lack of turnout. Uncertain whether others would join, they remained at the venue until around 8 PM, but the numbers didn’t improve significantly. According to rumours, several officers left without even having dinner. This year’s post-budget dinner generated noticeably less interest among the IAS fraternity.

Government Hiring More Disabled Candidates

As part of its ongoing recruitment efforts, the Gujarat government is seeking to improve representation of disabled candidates in government jobs. Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi recently held a high-level review meeting with senior officials to address the low number of applicants under the disability quota.

The discussion also highlighted the barriers disabled candidates face during recruitment exams and explored ways to make the process more inclusive. In the coming months, targeted steps are expected to improve the participation and hiring of disabled candidates in accordance with reserved quotas.

Mobile Phone Restrictions In Schools Under Consideration

In light of rising concerns over student mental health and mobile phone addiction, the Gujarat government is considering stricter controls on phone use in schools. Although mobile phones have already been restricted in many states, enforcement in Gujarat has been inconsistent.

At a recent roundtable convened by the state’s Education Minister, senior officials from the Primary and Secondary Education Department, including Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar, reviewed possible solutions.

The discussion gained urgency after a tragic incident in Surat, where an eighth-grade girl died by suicide after her mother denied her a mobile phone. In response, the Education Minister proposed a complete ban on mobile phones in schools, with teachers expected to monitor student compliance. New government guidelines are currently in the works.

Liquor Shops Near Gujarat Border Spark Concern

Despite Gujarat’s continued prohibition policy, neighbouring states have started establishing liquor shops near the border. Residents of North Gujarat travel to Rajasthan, those in Central Gujarat go to Madhya Pradesh, and people from South Gujarat head to Daman or Maharashtra to purchase alcohol.

Recently, MP has taken steps to expand liquor sales in border districts like Jhabua and Alirajpur. Shops are being set up just a few kilometres from the Gujarat border, reportedly through tenders worth crores of rupees. This move has sparked protests from tribal communities in the region, who oppose the government’s decision.

Corrupt Officer Moved To Side Posting After MLA Complaint

The Home Department has begun reassigning officers accused of corruption to less significant positions. In one recent case, a police inspector from North Gujarat, who had reportedly been accepting bribes for three years, was transferred following a formal complaint by the local MLA.

Though the officer maintained close ties with senior officials and had consistently secured favourable postings, long-standing allegations finally led to an official inquiry and his reassignment. The officer was said to have taken bribes from traders and local organisations throughout his tenure.

Gujarat Police Constable Makes Film Debut

Shital Patel, a constable in the Fingerprint Department at the Rajkot Police Commissioner’s Office, has captured public attention by starring in a Gujarati film while continuing her police service. Her debut film, Ranbhumi, tells the story of a village girl who moves to the city for education and later returns to become the village sarpanch, bringing about progressive change.

This marks a first in Gujarat, where a serving female police officer has acted in a lead role in a movie. Shital said she fulfilled both her father’s dream — of her becoming a government officer — and her own dream of acting. Her father is a retired officer from the Education Department. She received official permission from the Home Department to take part in the film.

Gujarat Prepares for Asiatic Lion Census, Population May Cross 900

The Forest Department is preparing for the next Asiatic lion census, scheduled for May 10-13. This year, the process will incorporate modern technologies, including AI, and will involve forest staff, officials and NGO representatives.

According to D T Vasavada, former Chief Conservator of Forests, the 2020 census recorded 674 lions using full moon observations due to COVID restrictions. The upcoming census will cover more than 35,000 sq km using methods like block counting and direct beat verification.

Over 3,000 staff members divided into 700 teams will survey lion habitats across 11 districts, covering around 3,400 villages. Based on current estimates from forest officials, the lion population may exceed 900 this time.

(with inputs from Gautam Purohit and Sanjay Vibhakar)