A new found confidence has touched their lives. Thankfully, due to a novel initiative launched by the district administration to train aspirants of Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS).
Until now, youths of Dungarpur, a tribal district 500 kms away from the state capital, didn’t have training facilities for candidates aspiring for Indian Administrative Services (IAS) or even Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS). Not a single tribal candidate from this region has make it to the civil services since independence.
Now, the much deserved help comes from rather unexpected quarters — the district administration itself. The innovative idea is the brainchild of district collector Neeraj K Pawan.
It all started during an orientation workshop for RAS aspirants when he noticed that the number of aspirants for civil services was high but there were no coaching facilities available in the district.
So, he initiated the coaching programme with the voluntary help of administrative officers posted in the district. Named as “RAS Baniye, Prashshan Ke Sang” they selected nearly 750 candidates through a screening test.
Those joining in imparting success mantra to the young boys and girls include Mr Pawan himself and superintendent of police, sub-divisional magistrate, additional district magistrate, tehsildar and even public relations officer. Services of college professors and lecturers are also available for individual subjects.
Free service
The best part is all the facilities are free of cost. Neither the students have to pay any fee nor the teachers charge any remuneration for the services they render at the institute. The students also have access to best study material and notes of reputed coaching institutes along with magazines for competitive examinations and newspapers.
The initiative has got good response. A library has been specially set up for the purpose with the help of donations received from the people including the local MLA.
“The students felt the lack of study material. We have tried to cover all their needs,” Mr Pawan told Deccan Herald over phone.
“If at least five or ten of them can fulfil their dream, it would be quite encouraging,” he added.
