IAS and IPS

The system of IAS and IPS in India has been existing since colonial times. They come under the category of All India Services (AIS), which also includes Indian Forest Services (IFS). Initially, it was dominated by Europeans, but after independence Indians have largely taken over. The recruitment for both these services is done on the basis of an all-India exam, called the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The competition for recruitment in these services is very tough, which ensures quality and expertise in administrative services.

History

The history of civil services dates back to the British colonial administration, where civil servants’ appointment was done by the Court of Directors of the English East India Company. The system eventually evolved to Indian Civil Services, which was mainly dominated by Europeans. 

After Indian independence, ICS came to be known as Indian Administrative Services and the Indian Police(IP) was changed to Indian Police Services. Later, another category of Indian Forest Services was added to the bracket of All India Services in 1963, which became operational in 1966.

Training and Recruitment

IAS and IPS complement each other and have a separate set of functions and responsibilities. After being selected for UPSC, all the cadets are required to undergo a three-month training programme at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). IPS officers are later sent to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) for additional training.

The training process for IAS is largely focused on the effective management, coordination and administration of the available resources and manpower, while the IPS training also includes physical training in armaments and all other facets required for law enforcement.

Ranks 

1. Indian Administrative Services (IAS)

• Cabinet Secretary
• Secretary/Additional Secretary
• Joint Secretary
• Directory
• Under Secretary
• Junior Scale Officers

2. Indian Police Services (IPS)

• Assistant Superintendent of Police (2 year probation period)
• Superintendent of Police of Deputy Commissioner of Police (after 4 years in service)
• Junior Administrative Grade (after 9 years in service)
• Selection Grade (after 13 years in service)
• Deputy Inspector General of Police or Additional Commissioner of Police (after 14 years in service)
• Inspector-General of Police (after 18 years in service)
• Additional Director General of Police (after 25 years in service)
• Director-General of Police (after 30 years in service)

Powers and Responsibilities

1. Indian Administrative Services (IAS)

An officer, working under the Indian Administrative Services or an IAS officer has to perform a number of functions while in tenure. The functions are listed below:

• The IAS officers are entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the government policies and supervision
• The IAS officers monitor the expenditure and submit reports and required details to the state legislature
• IAS officers are answerable to the state legislature in cases of irregularities on their part
• They are expected to formulate the government policies in a suitable way so that it yields the expected results
• The IAS officer looks after developmental work and projects in his/her appointed area and also supervises the maintenance of law and order
• The IAS officers formulate the government policies according to the finances, but the ultimate authority rests with the ministers
•  The IAS also functions as the executive magistrate of the given area
• To keep track of the expenditure and utilisation of public funds
• To consult the minister responsible for policy formulation in order to better implement it

2. Indian Police Services (IPS)

The primary responsibility of an IPS officer is of course to prevent crimes and maintain law and order. However, there are many secondary functions that stem from this primary function if we look through a broader sense. These functions are as follows:

• Prevent Crimes and accidents
• Accident Management and crime detection
• Providing general security
• Taking required steps to prosecute criminals and giving permission for the use of loudspeakers, rallies and religious gatherings
• Leading security commands
• Maintaining peace
• Law implementation and disaster management
• VIP security
• Commanding police forces and assisting the armed defence forces of India if need be

Perks 

Employment in one of the All India Services is a matter of prestige and pride. The perks of being employed as an IAS or an IPD officer are numerous. To start off with, both the services provide a handsome salary. They are also provided rent-free governmental accommodation and allowances besides the regular salary. They are also provided security and basic amenities like electricity and water for free or highly subsidised rates. The IAS and IPS officers can even apply for leaves to study abroad. They also enjoy lifetime monthly pensions after retirement. 

Comparison and Differences

Functions and Responsibilities

1. IAS-IAS officers are primary functionaries to implement the government policies in a region and take care of the general administration.
2. IPS-IPS officers’ primary function is to maintain law and order and provide general security to residents.

Appointment

1. IAS-IAS officers are the highest rankers in the UPSC exam.
2. IPS-IPS is the next best alternative after IAS for the UPSC toppers.

Training

1. IAS- IAS officers are trained at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration.
2. IPS-IPS officers undergo additional training at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy.

Salary and Number of Posts

1. IAS-The salary of IAS officers is relatively higher and usually, there is just one IAS officer for a given area.
2. IPS-The salary of IPS officers is relatively lower than that of IAS officers and the number of IPS officers in an area usually depends on the requirement.

Controlling Authority

1. IAS-Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension.
2. IPS-Ministry of Home Affairs.

Conclusion

IAS refers to Indian Administrative Services while IPS refers to the Indian Police Services. Both the services fall under All India Services and the recruitment is done based on an all-India exam called the UPSC.