tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67388217454181597692024-03-28T09:00:22.390-07:00Governance and Me: Experiences of Shubhra Saxena IASShubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-28028651478438503462021-09-02T09:25:00.003-07:002021-09-02T09:25:56.454-07:00What the last two years taught us?<p> When I look back at the last 2 years, 2020 and 2021 which will be ending pretty soon, there are so many things which we have learnt and also unlearnt. What have I learnt as a person and also as an administrator working on the front lines is that nothing is permanent, and all we can do is put in all our energies together as a family, as a community, as a nation, as a world, in fighting against odds to overcome any kind of adversity that we might face. The indomitable will of our kind to survive was so much at display during the last two years, when we as a species faced the biggest threat to our existence in recent times. </p><p><br /></p><p>But at the same time, there is a lot that we have unlearnt. And if we haven't done so yet, we must do it immediately before we perish. What we should have unlearnt by now is our greed, the unlimited lust for everything we want, the arrogance with which we accord ourselves the status of rulers of the universe. I assume and hope that this period has brought back the oft-forgotten and ridiculed humility that we need to observe not just with our fellow brethren but with people who are different from us, with animals, with nature and with anything and everything that we feel entitled to.</p><p><br /></p><p>Till later.</p><p>S</p>Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-44374116306751450362021-08-31T10:28:00.002-07:002021-08-31T10:28:25.629-07:002021: Are we done with Covid yet?<p> Hello Everyone,</p><p><br /></p><p>I hope all of you are hale and hearty. One thing Covid has taught us is not to take life and our loved ones for granted. Stay safe. Wait for more posts!</p><p><br /></p><p>Love</p><p>S</p>Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-43672411087560910502016-11-10T23:01:00.000-08:002016-11-10T23:01:19.977-08:00Samvardhan:Transformation of Anganwadi Centres into play schools<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Anganwadi Centres are govt. centres for implementation of ICDS scheme to combat malnutrition in women and children. These centres also provide for early childhood education to 3-6 year old children before the start of their formal education. More often than not they are in such bad shape, dingy and unattractive that they do not have good attendance of children. There is a very poor turnout and the environment is not conducive to any kind of learning. The basic requirement was clear: To make these centres into attractive playschools having a child friendly look and an education enabling environment. By converging resources of Health, Panchayati Raj deptt and ICDS, we transformed all govt. owned Anganwadi Centres into attractive Samvardhan Centres @Shahjahanpur. In Bulandshahr also this work was continued. I am sharing some before n after pics of the centres.<br />
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Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com168tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-86057901875301339902016-10-19T06:32:00.000-07:002016-10-19T06:32:38.169-07:00Memories from 2009....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-5499935287771645952016-10-19T04:06:00.001-07:002016-10-19T04:07:31.528-07:00Next Post heads-up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My next write-up will be on Elections.... of all kinds...<br />
<br />
If you want me to write on any specific issue, Please give suggestions on this post.</div>
Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-41410262946499925742016-10-19T00:41:00.002-07:002016-10-19T00:41:16.589-07:00My journey as an IAS so far...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi Friends,<br />
<br />
Today I want to share my journey from 2009 May(when I made it into the IAS) till date:<br />
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<b>4th May 2009</b>:<br />
It was one of the most special days of my life. I not only cleared the CSE 2008 but was the All India Topper of 2009 batch. I can still feel the goosebumps on my skin to this day. And I still feel overwhelmed and humbled by the grace of God that led to such an amazing experience in my life.<br />
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<b>31st Aug 2009:</b><br />
Reported at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration(LBSNAA), Mussoorie for training.Won't call it a productive period of my career. Was a very redundant and morbid phase. Could have done without it I think....<br />
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<b>June 2010 to June 2011:</b><br />
After finishing Foundation course and Phase I of IAS training at Mussoorie, I came to Uttar Pradesh, my chosen cadre, also my home cadre. I was posted to Distt. Faizabad (known for Ayodhya), 120 kms away from Lucknow as Assistant Collector(under training). I did my training there for a year in which I held many charges including that of BDO and SDM.<br />
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<b>June 2011 to Aug 2011:</b><br />
Back to academy for more morbidity.<br />
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<b>Aug 2011:</b><br />
I was posted as Joint Magistrate Faizabad. I held the charge of SDM Sadar Faizabad. I continued here till Feb 2011 when I was transferred to Bulandshahr for the purpose of conducting elections. UP had its assembly polls going on then. faizabad, as a trainee and as a joint magistrate has taught me many things and will always hold a very special place in my heart.<br />
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<b>Feb 2012:</b><br />
I joined Distt. Bulandshahr 22nd Feb 2011 and the polls were scheduled on the 24th of Feb. I was the Returning Officer from Siyana constituency. Results were declared on the 6th of March, 2011. New government came to power.<br />
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<b>Apr 2012:</b><br />
I was posted as Chief Development Officer, Distt Meerut. I conducted Urban Local Bodies elections there as the Deputy DEO. Though I was inexperienced to handle the important role of Dy DEO, that election trained me very well in election management. I was transferred yet again(sigh.....)<br />
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<b>July 2012 -Oct 2012:</b><br />
I was Chief Development Officer, Distt Ghaziabad. Nothing eventful in this period.<br />
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<b>Oct 2012 to Mar 2013:</b><br />
I was posted as Distt Magistrate, distt. Shravasti. I hadn't yet reached the seniority required for being posted as Distt. Collector but shortage of officers made it unavoidable. Now, for people wondering about this place, it is a very small distt. in UP, very remote, very backward and very poor. It borders Nepal. But for a first posting as collector, it is the perfect place. I learnt so much there and the people of the place are so simple and sweet. anything I did for them, they were overwhelmed, probably because they were used to being ignored. Shravasti.... I will always miss you. And yes, the place is historically very important because Gautam Buddha spent about 24 years meditating there. And it attracts a good number of tourists from SE Asia.<br />
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<b>Mar 2013 to Jun 2013:</b><br />
Hmmmmm.... Will write about it some other time. Was posted as DM Rampur for just 70 days. And it will always be one of the most unforgettable(read unforgettable not memorable!!) tenures of my career.<br />
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<b>June 2013 to Dec 2013:</b><br />
Was posted as Additional CEO, UP Expressway Industrial Authority and UP State Highway Authority. Worked on Agra Lucknow Expressway and other state highways. Quite a goof learning experience.<br />
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<b>July 2014 to Mar 2016:</b><br />
I was posted as District Magistrate , Shahjahanpur. Just remembering the place makes me yearn to go there. Longest tenure of my career. Did a lot of good work there, many initiatives and projects executed there. Conducted many elections. My tenure there will form the basis for many posts hereon.<br />
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<b>Mar 2016 to July 2016:</b><br />
Worked as DM Bulandshahr. Did some good work here also. Will share with you in future posts.<br />
But too short a tenure... 4 Months!!!!<br />
<br />
<b>July 2016 till Date:</b><br />
I was first posted as State Project Director, RUSA and special secretary Higher Education. Was there for a few days when I was posted as Special Secretary, Finance department. Currently learning the ropes of finance.....<br />
<br />
<br />
Till later.....<br />
Ciao<br />
<br /></div>
Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-73472320989211528222016-10-18T08:40:00.001-07:002016-10-18T08:40:51.113-07:00I am back!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Friends,<br />
<br />
After a long hiatus, I am back and this time, back for good. From now on, this blog will be about my experiences as a civil servant and for constructive discussion on burning issues confronting our country at the moment. I won't be able to write much about civil service entrance exam preparation but I am sure that aspirants will benefit from visiting this blog.<br />
<br />
Good to be back!</div>
Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-88988391202620383552012-11-16T05:55:00.001-08:002012-12-10T03:51:15.052-08:00For all those future administrators of the country...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey Guys!!!<br />
<br />
I am sure you must be busy with your preparation....<br />
I just had a volley of questions to throw to you... There are so many govt schemes that are meant to benefit people.. but sadly due to many reasons, they are failing to have their desired impact. I am coming across some problems and I need you guys to help me out. However wild the idea might be, post them here... Maybe together we would be able to do something significant, specially something for a backward and underdeveloped district like Shrawasti... So let your neurons fire and post your ideas here..<br />
<br />
1) How to ensure that teachers come to school?<br />
2) How to ensure that the teacher actually teaches students and learning happens?<br />
<br />
If I get good responses on these questions, I will keep posting practical problems from the field and you all can advise me a to how to go about solving them. Let your fresh uncluttered minds work the magic...<br />
<br />
Waiting...<br />
Love.<br />
S<br />
<br />
<br />
It was amazing to receive so many of your suggestions. I am sure you have many more such great ideas. will definitely use some of your ideas in Shravasti. God Bless!!!</div>
Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com399tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-40887969386367242102012-10-19T09:53:00.002-07:002012-10-19T09:53:44.422-07:00First posting as District Collector<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi guys,<br />
<br />
It's been a really long time since I have expressed myself on this blog. I have recently been posted as District Collector and Magistrate, distt <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Shravasti. Shravasti is one of the most backward districts in UP. Physical and human infrastructure is majorly lacking. I feel really fortunate to get a district like Shravasti in my first posting as Collector because everywhere you see, there is so much opportunity to do something great and wonderful.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Just one experience I would like to recount. After joining Shravasti, I inspected a Block Resource Center of SSA where training of teachers was going on. As expected most teachers were absent. I took immediate action against the teachers. when I came out... People thre were shouting slogans... "ziladhikari Shravasti zindabad". I felt humbled to my core because these people have such low expectations from administration that even the most mundane thing I would do here would be huge for them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">I hope I am able to do some good work here. wish me luck guys!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Will keep sharing</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Love</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">S</span></div>
Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-79012531973013319992011-09-06T07:35:00.000-07:002011-09-06T07:55:28.823-07:00My experiences-IIHi All,<br /><br />I am back again!<br />All of you are aspiring for civil services. Some of you will make it to IAS, some to IPS,some to IFS and so on. On the way to these services, you face so many roadblocks in terms of failure, loss of motivation and many other factors unaccounted for. You feel as if once you get into the service, you would have all solutions.<br /><br />But from an insider's perspective, the day you enter a service, the real battle starts. It's not a cakewalk I assure you. But even despite many constraints, there's so much difference you can make just by being efficent, fair and honest.<br /><br />There are so many problems that can be solved if we perform our legally mandated role. One doesn't need to be an out of the world kind of officer. If you just perform your duties in the mandated manner i.e. fairly, honestly, efficiently and diligently, yoyu would be considered a messiah at the grassroots. People are really jaded and tired and they keep looking for officers that can deliver goods as they are meant to be.<br /><br />Those are my thoughts.<br />Comments are welcome.<br /><br />Shubhra.Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-67764333415273887592011-08-20T00:07:00.001-07:002011-09-06T07:30:24.382-07:00LBSNAA training overDear friends,<br /> <br />I am done with academy training at lbsnaa Mussoorie. The whole training comprised of 1 year academy training and 1 year training in the distt. My distt training was at distt Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh. Now I have been posted again at Faizabad. I have returned from Mussoorie, all set to join faizabad. Will try to be more regular<br /> on blog this time around.<br /><br />C u soonShubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-61229555134417186562011-03-01T21:28:00.001-08:002011-03-01T21:51:03.449-08:00My Experiences-ISorry everyone for such a long delay!!<div>I am at Faizabad right now, posted as SDM sadar. Right now I am in middle of District training. IAS training involved two phases of academy training separated by a one-year stint in the district. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we are dispatched from LBSNAA to our respective districts, we are given a very rigorous schedule and many many assignments. Ideally, we should stick to those schedules and finish our assignments. But then many a times there is not much consonance between what's prescribed and what's practised. I should have been SDM for about only 4-6 weeks towards the fag end of my district training. But now it has been 1.5 months into it and I am loving it. The flipside is that I keep so busy that I am unable to finish my academy assignments on time. Even as I type this post, I was trying to finish an assignment that I was supposed to have submitted by 15th of February. But in the last few weeks, all the districts of U.P have been in constant upheaval because of CM's whirlwind tour of the state. </div><div><br /></div><div>By this tour of CM in the state, all the tehsils and thanas and district hospitals of state have been put back in shape, both figuratively and literally. My tehsil was also visited by the CM and it was a learning experience for me. I realised that there are a few things like grievance redressal which need to be monitored well. if that happens on a continuous basis, many things will fall automatically in place. Anyway, the CM was very happy with our tehsil and specially the tehsildar's work as he had been here since the last 4.5 years!!! To cut the long story short, it was all festive at my tehsil once our CM left happily from our tehsil.</div><div><br /></div><div>But alas her next destination was not such a happy place. She inspected the District hospital and seeing the neglect and poor hygiene there, suspended the Chief medical suprintendent. In the next district Ambedkar Nagar, the SDM and Tehsildar were removed.... The saga goes on. But I really felt that this tour of our CM has done wonders across the state. Check out for yourself if you belong to U.P. I am sure you would agree.</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to stop. But I promise I will be back. I have missed being in touch with my dear bloggers. Next time I will share more experiences of LBSNAA training.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ciao for now. So long....</div>Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-67250287361392811542010-08-06T03:07:00.000-07:002010-08-06T03:16:19.802-07:00Message for blog visitorsDear Blog Visitors,<div><br /></div><div>It has been more than a year since I cleared the exams. And now I have finished the Phase I of IAS Training at LBSNAA Mussoorie and joined district Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh as Assistant Collector and Magistrate. As I have been out of touch with the examination and the recent changes in it, I do not find myself in a comfortable position to guide you people in your pursuit of this examination.</div><div><br /></div><div>From now on, I would be sharing my experiences in the field on this blog. If people are interested in communicating with me on that front, they can post their messages and comments. But as far as the Civil Service Examination is concerned, I would not be in a position to help you other than the articles and questions posted earlier.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you all for visiting this blog and helping me help you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shubhra. </div>Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-69905023656308088472010-05-08T10:40:00.000-07:002010-05-08T10:42:18.867-07:00Congratulations!Congratulations to all of you who have got through.<div>For those who couldn't make it this time, all the very best for the next attempt.</div>Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-91854420091290180302009-12-28T20:47:00.000-08:002009-12-28T21:14:18.890-08:00Interview PreparationHello All,<br /><br />Sorry for the delay in the post.<br />I have been very busy with my training at LBSNAA. Even right now as I write this post I am sitting in the office of a regiment of army at Poonch(the border town on Indian side).<br /><br />Let's come to interview preparation.<br />Interview is a test of your personality. The attempt is to test your presence of mind, attitude, emotional stability and in general they would like to see if you are a balanced personality or not.<br /><br />1. First take a few copies of your mains form. Share it with a couple of people/friends who are close to you. Now start writing questions on every component of your mains form. For eg. if your form contains names of 4 5 places, then write whatever questions come to your mind wrt these places and even related questions. For eg. my form had moradabad in it, so questions would pertain to brass exports, SEZ, child labour in brass industry, moradabad's share in Indian handicraft exports and so on. Open your mind to the range of questions that can be asked. You should take some time to do this job as it is the most crucial part. Make a notebook having different sections, hobbies, places, educ background and write as many questions as possible.<br /><br />2.. Once you have made this notebook, start researching the answers. Write relevant facts and info in a separate notebook.<br /><br />3. For general awareness and a balanced opinion, read atleast 2 newspapers. I read ToI and Hindu. Jot down the important aspects and facts in news and major issues, for eg climate change.<br />4.Also focus heavily on International relations and specially India's equation with other countries and changes in foreign policy. Get a good book on India's foreign policy, preferably a new one.<br /><br />5.Always remember that more important than the facts it is your opinion that matters. So try to cultivate a balanced thinking if you don't have it. Try to form an opinion on all issues around you.<br />6. For people with difficulty in public speaking, get involved in group discussions with other people on current issues of importance.<br /><br />7. Develop a good awareness of yourself and your background. You should be sure of what you have presented before them in your mains form. I hope you haven't lied about your hobbies and extra curricular activities in the form, as they are wise men/women.<br /><br />Keep posting questions on this post for interview preparation. No other questions would be entertained.Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-48823149139244651112009-09-12T10:38:00.000-07:002009-09-12T10:43:43.207-07:00Inactivity on BlogDear Blog Visitors,<br /><br />First of all, apologies for keeping you waiting for many days for replies to your queries.<br />I am attending the foundation course at LBSNAA at the moment and it is so very hectic here. That's why I can not be very regular and prompt on the blog during the foundation course.<br /><br />God Bless You!!<br />All the very Best!!!Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-81320010098945197042009-08-28T09:39:00.000-07:002009-08-28T11:24:43.763-07:00My Public Administration BookDear All,<br /><br />It is with immense pleasure that I want to inform you all that a book on Public Administration, written by me, is being released soon. It is basically a comprehensive compilation of the most important topics of Public Administration for Mains.<br /><br />I hope you find it useful.<br /><br />Thanks.Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-32182509742844073492009-08-27T06:18:00.000-07:002009-08-27T11:52:42.824-07:00Thread for my Pub Ad studentsDear students,<div><br /></div><div>As requested by a few of you, I am creating this post so that I can continue helping you in your preparation even if the classes are over now. Plz feel free to post your queries, upload your answers as you did during the classes.</div><div><br /></div><div>God bless you all!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com73tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-24609353972214571782009-08-13T22:08:00.000-07:002009-08-13T22:10:29.140-07:00Sociology tipsOn my request, Ms. Aditi Singh(AIR 12) has provided some pointers on Sociology. I thank her for her contribution to the blog.<br />Beyond this I won't be able to answer any questions on Sociology<br /><br /><strong>Reading List for Sociology (Main)<br /></strong>Shri. Upendra Gaur’s class notes<br />Sociology-Tom Bottomore<br />Sociology-Michael Haralambos<br />Classical Sociological Theory-George Ritzer<br />Tribal India-Nadeem Hasnain<br />Modernization of Indian Tradition-Yogendra Singh<br />Changing India-Robert Stern<br /><br /><strong>A few tips:</strong><br />1. Refer to IGNOU notes for the new topics introduced in Paper II<br />2. Make sure you mention case studies in Paper II answers<br />3. Make good notes on topics like ethnicity, religion, caste, environment, women’s movement, tribal movement, political parties, pressure groups, judiciary, etc. which are common to Political Science, Sociology, GS or Essay as it’ll help you to optimize your preparation.<br />5. Read the questions carefully in both optionals before answering. More often than not the second part of the questions would require a bit of original thinking beyond what you may have prepared.Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-21678374154411193352009-08-13T22:03:00.000-07:002009-08-13T22:08:10.012-07:00Political ScienceOn my request, Ms. Aditi Singh(AIR 12) has provided some pointers on Pol Science. I thank her for her contribution to the blog.<br />Beyond this I won't be able to answer any question on Pol Sc.<br /><br /><strong>Reading List for Political Science (Prelims and Main)</strong><br />The Constitution of India-D.D. BasuAn Introduction to Political Theory-O.P. GaubaSpectrum's Political Science for PrelimsThe Constitution of India-P.M.Bakshi<br />Political Theory-Amal Ray, Mohit Bhattacharya<br />Comparative Politics-Ronald Chilcote<br />Our Parliament-S.C. Kashyap<br />History of Political Thought-Subrata Mukherjee, Susheela Ramaswamy<br />A History of Political Thought-J.P. SudaFoundations of Indian Political Thought-V.R. MehtaModern Political Theory-S.P. Verma<br />Western Political Thought-R.M. Bhagat<br />Andrew Heywood-Politics<br />Andrew Heywood-Political Theory: An IntroductionComparative Politics-J.C. Johari<br />History of Political Thought- George Sabine<br />Politics among Nations-Hans Morgenthau<br /><br /><strong>A few tips:<br /></strong>1. Look up Wikipedia for the latest on world constitutions<br />2. Combine preparation of Section B of Paper 1 with Indian Polity and History in GS<br />3. Update your Paper II Section B answers with GS Paper II notes on India and the World and International Organizations<br />4. Take a look at the Delhi University B.A./M.A. Political Science syllabus/reading lists for references on International RelationsShubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-57621222322394092152009-08-07T09:23:00.000-07:002009-08-07T09:29:59.626-07:00Compulsory English and regional language papersNow this post is very important for the people who are writing this year mains.<div>Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>Every year thousands of candidates are disqualified because they fail to clear either of these 2 exams. The process is that first UPSC evaluates the language papers, and if you qualify them, only then your GS, optional and essay papers are evaluated.</div><div><br /></div><div>All your hard work would go to waste if you fail to qualify the language papers.</div><div><br /></div><div>For people who are weak in English, buy a good gramma book, a dictionary and last 10 yrs english papers. Start working on this from now onwards.Even people whose english is fine, plz do not forget to buy the last 10 yr questions and go through them to see what kind of questions are asked just so that you are not surprised in the exam.</div><div><br /></div><div>Same thing would hold for regional language papers. I had opted for Hindi, as it is my mother tongue. But I hadn't written Hindi since 10th, So it was rusty. I practiced writing Hindi and Hindi grammar before exams. Eg Idioms, synonyms etc.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Please remember, do not be overconfident with regard to these papers.</div><div>They are of a qualifying nature, but probbaly the most imp.</div><div><br /></div><div>All the best!!!!</div>Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-4698062797821433782009-08-05T11:08:00.000-07:002009-08-05T11:10:21.976-07:00Congratulations!!Congratulations to those who have cleared Prelims. From now on, you can ask questions pertaining to this year mains in this post. I will try my best to write the outstanding post on essay soon.<br /><br />For people who havrn't made it this year, do not be disheartened. Work harder and smarter this time. All the best!!!Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com113tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-78901270179472005172009-07-18T10:43:00.000-07:002009-07-20T08:55:12.134-07:00Hello AllHello Dear Blog visitors,<div><br /></div><div>I will be slightly busy for the next 1 month. So I won't be able to write any new posts for this time. I will keep replying to your queries. But, won't be able to write on the topics mentioned.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just wanted to inform you.</div><div>God bless you all!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Shubhra.</div>Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com120tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-53597294039449855562009-07-15T12:05:00.000-07:002009-07-17T19:03:16.353-07:00Making notesThis is a very important process. You have millions of books and they seem intimidating at times.<div>It's always a good idea to make notes.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>First, do not ever make notes in your first reading. I would go for notes maybe in 2nd or better in 3rd read.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are many kind of notes that you can make.</div><div><br /></div><div>1) If you <b>select certain most important topics </b>in your optionals, eg distt administration, RTI in pub ad, then select the best books for that topic and write all of that on A4 sized sheets. select such 50 60 topics from your optionals by looking at the pattern of paper and make the best notes possible. Initially it seems like a lot of hard work. But it really helps. I made such notes for about 80-90 topics in Pub ad. Remember, you can not afford to leave the rest of the syllabus. because even in the best case scenaro you might get questions outside this list.</div><div>So finish your syllabus thoroughly and these notes will work as add ons.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2)</b> <b>Chapter-wise notes</b>- I did this in both psychology and Pub ad.</div><div>take an A4 sheet and fold it in between so that it has 2 parts. write synoptical notes just the gist that is relevant to you. write it in condensed form so that it doesnt take much space. Also, use highlighters and red/pink/green pens to highlight imp stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>You must be wondering why I a stressing on A4 sheets. They are easy to handle and you can classify the notes whenever you want. You don't have to carry a big notebook at the time of exam.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3) </b><b>Post-it notes-</b></div><div>Suppose you have GS notes from a coaching class. They are good. But they are huge. Also, you have already spent enough time on optionals notes. So there's a short cut for these notes. Buy Post-it notes, the yellow coloured stickies. When you have studied a topic, just write the +ves, -ves, anything on that post it and stick it onto that page. When you are revising the stuff, just look at the post-its. That will save your time and stick better in head.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Just before the exam, you can just glance at these notes for the last time. Remember you should have done this many times before. But the last revision is the most crucial. Psychology students would understand why. When you write your paper this year, you would understand the significance of this last look you gave your notes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also understand that the note making exercise is a tedious one and you might think you are wasting a lot of time. rather you could study from books. but for a single topic you will have to open 4 5 books at a time. That's even more tedious. Plus it will be difficult to retrieve the stuff. Get it all in one place and you are all set.</div>Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com96tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6738821745418159769.post-55406426026192827402009-07-15T10:37:00.000-07:002009-07-15T11:50:27.674-07:00Aspirants Interaction pageas requested by Pramod, I am creating this page for aspirants to interact.<div>Please do not post questions and requests addressed to me in this post. This is solely for you guys.</div>Shubhra Saxena IAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161659490646312936noreply@blogger.com116