Are IAS officers in key positions the biggest hurdle to police reforms?

Are IAS officers in key positions the biggest hurdle to police reforms?

Author: The Hindu August 21, 2026 Duration: 56:51
“The biggest hurdle to police reforms comes from the bureaucracy itself – IAS officers who hold key positions at the Centre and in all departments of the governments and local bodies in the states,” writes Yashovardhan Azad in his new book, ‘Policing the Republic: An Inside View of How India Fights Corruption and Crime, and Protects Rights.’ Mr Azad, a former IPS officer who has served as special director at the Intelligence bureau and Central Information Commissioner, argues in his book that corruption and the breakdown of institutional credibility are two major challenges hobbling the India story. In this episode, we discuss, among other things, police reforms, the politics of corruption, and how tough life can be for a upright civil servant. Host: G Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Producer: Jude Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each week, the journalists at In Focus by The Hindu select one pressing story from the news cycle and slow it down. Rather than a rapid headline, you’ll hear a thoughtful conversation that unpacks the layers behind an event-the historical precedents, the economic forces, the political nuances, and the human impact. This podcast relies on conversations with reporters who have been on the ground and specialists who have spent years, sometimes decades, studying a particular issue. The result is a clearer, more substantive understanding of what’s happening in India and around the world. You might explore the roots of a regional conflict one episode, and dive into the complexities of a new environmental policy the next. It’s designed for anyone who feels that the daily news skim leaves too many questions unanswered. Tune in for a consistent, deep-dive format that prioritizes context over instant reaction, making sense of the week’s most significant developments through careful analysis and expert insight.
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