A Group of IAS officers of 2014 batch, who underwent training at the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA) last year, as part of their probation period, are still connected to the institution, as they continue to visit the slum behind the institution and teach children subjects like language, mathematics and science.

Vipul Mittra who is an IAS Officer of 1986 batch Gujarat cadre, Director General of Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration said the idea originated from voluntary work done by students of the institution to bridge the gap between officials and citizens. “Education and cleanliness drives have now been made integral part of their training. The trainees used to get free by 5 pm, after which they devote time to the kids in nearby localities,” he said.
Mittra added that the officers would also have to give regular updates on their social service during periodic review meetings after their postings. “Gujarat has become the first state to implement such an initiative,” said Mittra.
Anil Ranavasiya, native of Banaskantha and one of the probationers, said that he is a former student of SPIPA. “Thus, for me, it is like giving back to the institution and to society at large. I share a rapport with the kids now, and we have also been instrumental in sending a few drop-out kids to government school,” Mittra said.