Facebook has this wonderful habit of reminding one of the right things at the most inappropriate time.

But now that it has, let me post what we presented 3 years back on a civil service day.

On innovation as simplification, as collaboration, as transparency & as technology. 1/n

Simplification of processes is an underrated innovation I feel. On every new charge I used to make & analyse detailed flowcharts of all services and processee. Then reduce the steps involved without affecting the sanctity.
Some examples in this link. 2/n https://twitter.com/naukarshah/status/969050641132765187?s=19

Innovation as collaboration! Govt capacity expands multifold when it opens itself to tie-up with others. Every single institute and organisation is a potential force multiplier in your service delivery. Also, you learn a lot during these interactions. 3/n

Any step that makes government more transparent and accessible is innovation.

Surveillance and tracking of citizens is not innovation.

Citizens should be able to clearly see what the govt is doing and hold it accountable.

Transparency is prerequisite to accountability. 4/n

Of course technology plays a key role in innovation. It is a great enabler for building trust and transparency. 5/n

A governance where the government trusts citizens and citizens hold government accountable is what is democracy according to me.

Not one where the citizens trust government and government holds citizens accountable. 6/n

For those who are messaging me on whether to study for UPSC, my answer is please do. It offers tremendous opportunity to learn & serve. But neither is it the only way to serve & nor is it always the best way to serve. Don't let those three letters be a burden on your conscience.