Ajitabh Sharma, Rajasthan’s Principal Secretary for Energy, has revealed a startling fact about the daily work routine of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in Rajasthan. According to him, IAS officers spend more than 80% of their time handling ‘non-core work.’
This admission highlights a significant challenge:
- The heavy administrative and clerical burden on IAS officers.
- The impact of this burden on their ability to focus on core governance and policy matters.
Usually, IAS officers are expected to lead and implement important government plans and decisions. However, due to the excessive paperwork and routine tasks, their efficiency and productivity are likely hindered.
Implications and Suggested Reforms
This revelation has sparked discussions about the urgent need for reform in administrative processes. Experts recommend measures such as:
- Adopting new technologies to streamline work.
- Redistributing routine and clerical tasks to lower-level staff.
These changes could free up IAS officers to devote more time to strategic and critical responsibilities.
Overall, this insight from a senior Rajasthan official draws attention to the broader challenges faced by India’s top civil servants. Addressing these issues is essential for improving government functioning and enhancing public service delivery.
Stay tuned to Questiqa India News for the latest updates on this evolving topic.

