Haryana's "Department of the Future": Civil Servants Encounter Philosophy of the Future
Haryana Introduces Innovative Department of Future
In an unexpected move, the Haryana government inaugurated the Department of Future on May Day, sparking curiosity and amusement among bureaucratic circles. The department, headed by two IAS officers, Amneet P Kumar and Dr. Aditya Dahiya, promises to steer the state towards future-ready scenarios. However, the unusual label and lack of official details have left many questioning its purpose.
Some speculate the department might focus on long-term policy planning or AI governance, while others predict it may concern itself with matters such as climate change, youth innovation, or interdepartmental coordination. Given the officers' diverse portfolios - fisheries, archives, parliamentary affairs, personnel - it remains unclear if this is a pioneering stride into the realm of futurism or an administrative afterthought.
Comparatively, nations like the UAE boast ministries dedicated to the future, with substantial budgets for AI development and visionary plans for innovation. Although Haryana's Department of Future is unique in replicating this concept on a sub-national level in India, it lacks the clarity of a manifesto or a comprehensive vision document.
Meanwhile, in a separate event, Puja Khedkar – the former IAS probationer accused of forgery – has resurfaced after playing hide-and-seek with Pune Police for 282 days. Charged with faking disability and OBC certificates, Khedkar's mysterious vanishment raises concerns about selective amnesty for misconduct within the civil services. If the system allows cases such as this to fade away without proper investigation, it risks undermining public faith in the integrity of the civil service.
Lastly, Ashok Khemka, long-time government servant and defender of fair governance, has retired after 34 years and over five dozen transfers. Khemka's unwavering stance in the face of bureaucratic challenges has given way to a much-deserved retirement, leaving behind a legacy of ethical resilience.
(Enrichment data reveals that the purpose of Haryana’s Department of Future encompasses strategic foresight and planning, technology focus, economic and innovation promotion, skill ecosystem modernization, and climate and sustainability initiatives. It follows global trends in dedicated departments for future-oriented policies while being distinctive as a standalone department at the state government level.)
The Haryana Department of Future, with its focus on strategic foresight and planning, technology, economic and innovation promotion, skill ecosystem modernization, and climate and sustainability initiatives, is expected to explore various areas such as long-term policy planning or AI governance, climate change, or interdepartmental coordination, as it mirrors international models like the UAE's ministries dedicated to the future. Meanwhile, the unclear purpose and lack of formal details surrounding the department have led to speculation and concerns regarding its role.
