The Civil Services exam is one of the toughest to crack in India, some of the most capable people join the Indian Administrative Service. Yet, the most common complaint heard from a common person is one of poor Governance. What are the gaps? Where does the system work well? 

In this episode we celebrate Shailaja Chandra. Shailaja was a member of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) for over 40 years. She has held assignments in the Ministries of Defense, Power and Health as well as been posted in multiple states like Manipur, Goa, Delhi and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. She was a Secretary, AYUSH to the Government of India and also has been been the Delhi's only woman Chief Secretary. 

Shailaja speaks to us about her journey of becoming an IAS officer. The ingredients of success to create large scale change like 11 million cataract surgeries in 5 years or converting all diesel run public transport vehicles into CNG (compressed natural gas). The obstacles and hurdles due to which things breakdown. An insightful insider view on Governance in India. 

You can read more about on Shailaja Chandra's blog over2shailaja. If you are interested in launching a podcast and need consulting or post production support, write to [email protected]. 

Note - This conversation was recorded over zoom.