M. Ramachandran, an IAS officer of the 1972 batch, served for thirty-eight years before retiring in 2010. Born and brought up in Kerala, he served in various positions including that of the District Magistrate and Collector, Rae Bareli. He rose to be the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and was Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, for close to four years. Post retirement, he continues to be active in the urban sector and governance areas. He is associated with various national level endeavors in the capacity of Chairperson of the Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation, Chairman of the National Urban Transport Awards Committee, Chancellor of a University and Advisor on the Green Buildings rating system. Dr Ramachandran has a Master’s degree in Economics, MPhil in Economic Planning and PhD on Project Planning. His previously published works include Urban Renewal, Building from the Bottom: Infrastructure and Poverty Alleviation, Delhi Metro Stations and Surroundings, Metro Rail Projects in India, India’s Urban Confusion and Reforming Urban Transport in India: Issues and Best Practices.
The Mavericks of Mussoorie is an inspiring look at how an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, in his individual capacity, can work to influence and execute policies that make a positive contribution to the country. It is surprisingly honest in its acknowledgement of some of the pitfalls of the system and sets out clearly what needs to be done to bring out the full potential of the Civil Service. In this candid memoir M. Ramachandran opens up on how and why, despite a distinguished career, the post of Cabinet Secretary eluded him. This book unfolds what transpired and reveals what happens behind the scenes in Indian bureaucracy.
