Economist Sanjeev Sanyal Advocates for Aspiring to Become Entrepreneurs Over UPSC Jobs

Economist Sanjeev Sanyal has expressed his views on the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations, suggesting that individuals should consider entrepreneurship over government jobs. During a podcast interview with Siddhartha Ahluwalia, Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, highlighted the importance of aspirations among Indian youth.

Sanyal criticized the prevalent ‘poverty of aspiration’ in India, pointing out that many individuals aspire to civil service roles like Joint Secretary, while he believes the focus should shift towards entrepreneurship. He emphasized the need for more billionaires in India, citing figures like Elon Musk and Mukesh Ambani as examples of aspirational figures.

Referencing regions like Bihar and Bengal, Sanyal noted the societal norms that influence career choices. He suggested that the traditional aspirations for roles like civil servants or local politicians do not align with modern economic needs.

Sanjeev Sanyal also mentioned the initiative by NITI Aayog to introduce lateral entries in government positions to bring domain specialists from various sectors to enhance bureaucratic efficiency and effectiveness.

Responding to Sanyal’s remarks, IAS officer Somesh Upadhyay, currently serving in Odisha‘s Deogarh district, shared his perspective on the importance of career choices and aspirations among youth, particularly in the context of UPSC examinations.

While some individuals supported Sanyal’s stance on promoting entrepreneurship, others, including a medical professional from Raipur, expressed concerns about the limitations and challenges of government jobs compared to the corporate sector.

The discussion ignited by Sanjeev Sanyal’s comments reflects the evolving career landscape in India and the ongoing debates regarding the aspirations of the younger generation. The conversation extends beyond the UPSC exams to encompass broader themes of career choices, societal aspirations, and economic development.

Sanjeev Sanyal continues to advocate for a shift in mindset among Indian youth, encouraging them to consider entrepreneurship as a viable and impactful career path that aligns with the changing economic dynamics of the country.