Raja Tariq Hussain Chandio

38th Common, (DMG)

Throw light on your education and achievements.

From primary to FSc I got education from my home town tehsil Warah District Kambar, Shahdadkot. I did my graduation from Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. Then I went to Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, for MSc in Defence and Strategic Studies (DSS).


Why did you opt for DMG?

Frankly speaking, I belong to a rural and an agriculturalist family, so it suited me. I have observed the grievances of downtrodden people very closely. I know that many of the problems of these poor people can be addressed easily with a proper attention of the district administration.

Unfortunately, many of the bureaucrats consider themselves rulers rather than servants of the public. I want to change that mindset as well. What I believe is that a DMG officer can do more for the gross root level than a politician, because an officer has neither vested interests nor he comes for a short time period. He is a permanent civil servant. It makes no difference in which district or city he is posted, he has chance to do something special for the betterment of the society. I, therefore, opted for the DMG to work for the marginalised strata of the society across the country.


Why did a number of candidates go for DMG and Police Service of Pakistan (PSP)?

Yes, you are right most of the candidates prefer the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) or the District Management Group (DMG). There are some reasons. Firstly, as we know that these officers have public exposure. They have to do with the public dealing, in this way everyone wants to be the public figure.

Secondly, both the services fall in the category of All Pakistan Unified Group (APUG). One can move easily from one department to other. It is said for the DMG that it has both the horizontal as well as vertical movement. So, it becomes easy for a DMG officer to work on different positions in different fields. They come into contact directly with the common people of the society.

Therefore, many of the CSS aspirants think that by opting PSP or DMG, they will have an opportunity to address the problems of the common man directly. But it does not mean that the officers of other groups and services have no chance to serve the nation. All the CSS officers have many chances to work for the nation and the country and they are doing tremendous jobs in their capacities. And all the candidates do not prefer PSP and DMG, it also relates with their nature. The preference also changes from person-to-person.


It is said that there is a huge gap between the training session and its practical application in the field. What do you say?

No doubt, not only in the training of a CSS officer but in every field there is a huge gulf between the theory and practical. During training, we study problems and try to sort out strategies in order to solve those problems ideally. Whereas, on the ground the realities are little bit different. In practical, an officer has to face so many pressures from different sides. So, it is natural to have a gap between the theory and practice.


How is the training helpful for the new trainees?

The training plays a pivotal role in the career of a new trainee. Different training sessions polish the talent of new officers. As we know that the new officers come from different backgrounds, so most of them even do not know the nature of the job. Here in training every aspect of the field is tried to be taught.


How can CSA be reformed?

When a probationary officer enters the Civil Service Academy (CSA), he knows nothing about the field work and the nature of the job. But after completing his Common Training Programme (CTP) he at least knows that what he /she is going to do in the field. The field visits and the country study tour is also conducted, lectures of experienced veterans are arranged. Different subjects are taught by well qualified faculty.

Though, the CSA is doing its job very well, yet there is always room for improvement. As for as the CSA reforms are concerned, I'll say that the number of field visits and the country study tours should be increased. Practical exercise should be done rather than the class lectures. Every high profile officer should be posted for one year to the CSA in order to share his/her field experiences with the probationers. To cap it all, the training should be based on the practices rather than the theories.


It is a fact that there is a change in the attitude of a DMG officer after getting trained from the CSA and DMG campus? What will you say about it?

I am afraid, I'll not agree with you on that point. Because I think officers do not change but the environment in which one is working, compels him to follow the system. When we are under training, the environment is different, but in the field it definitely changes. And with the passage of time requirements of the job also change. I'll say that one who is sincere with the job, nation, country and one's mission never changes. I do believe in firm determination. If one is determined to acquire one's goal, one will never short of it.


How should a candidate prepare for the CSS in the beginning?

First of all, subject selection is very important phase in the preparation of the CSS. One should opt for the subjects according to his/her nature and academic background. Unfortunately, most of the candidates choose those subjects which are suggested by others.

Resultantly, what happens if the candidate has no background of that subject, he/she fails to acquire good marks? Besides, a beginner should pay attention to his/her language. Because as we know that most of the CSS candidates flunk in Essay or English Composition paper. So, one must be good at English language and it can be improved by referring different grammar books and English newspapers.

To keep oneself abreast of current affairs, one should read current affairs magazines like Jahangir's World Times and newspapers. There should be proper timetable and strategy for 10 to 12 months. Not more than two subjects should be read at a time. It means one should start two subjects, when those subjects are completed then other two subjects should be started and the process should be continued till the last day of the exam.


What is the key to get higher marks in the written?

Actually, who is good at one's subjects will secure good marks. It is better to have grip on all subjects. It is said that practice makes a man perfect. I, therefore, will suggest written practice of past papers. And that written material must be got checked from any senior CSS officer or any teacher.

Moreover, the three hours of the exam hall also make or mar your future. It is very necessary to be cool, calm and confident at the exam. The format of presentation also plays a pivotal role in the overall assessment of the papers. One should use two pens of different colours for bullets, points, headings and sub-headings. There should be proper introduction and conclusion of the question.

The question should be addressed relevantly, and no part of the question should be left unanswered. Every question has five to six parts so justice should be done to every part of the question. Related quotations, references, examples and maps attract the examiner. Thus, the more the relative and proper answer you write, the more the marks you get.


How many months and daily hours are required for CSS preparation?

I think it varies from person-to-person. There may be some candidates who have very good academic background, so, they need little time to cover subjects. On the other hand, those who belong to rural areas or have got education from public schools obviously need more hard work. Besides, some candidates have sharp mind, they have very good gaining power. But there may be some candidates who take much time to understand the topic.

Therefore, there is no hard and fast rule of time duration. But I think if one who gives six to eight hours daily for 10 to 12 months, will ensure his/ her success. Again I'll say it depends upon the capability of the candidate how much gaining power he has. And what type of educational background he holds.


Any message

For those who are preparing for CSS, I'll say if you are sincere with yourself, your family, nation and country, you will succeed. Believe in Almighty God and start hard work.

I have recently returned from military attachment from South Waziristan. I have seen Pak Army fighting against terrorists. My message is that our nation is passing through a very difficult juncture. It is very high time to think of the nation rather than the personal interests. Everyone has to do work of his own part. It is time to be united, because united we stand, and divided we fall.