IAS, IPS, IRS create CARUNA to shadow and aid Modi govt’s Covid-19 efforts
New Delhi: Civil servants across services have created a platform called the Civil Services Association Reach to Support National Disasters, or simply CARUNA, to assist the government in its Covid-19 efforts. The platform — which includes officers from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), state services and so on — was launched by the IAS Association vice-president Sanjeev Chopra Friday. “We are here to assist, support and supplement the government efforts with regard to coronavirus using our networks, skills, resources, etc.,” Chopra told ThePrint. “Since civil servants are spread out across the country, this network can be used to create a database of information on migration, essential supplies and medical equipment like masks, ventilators, PPE, etc,” he added. “Obviously, this is no alternative to what the government is doing, but if officers across the country can collaborate their efforts, then why not?” said another official who did not want to be named. The official added that this is especially important since, at the district level, shortages of supplies are being felt. “… So it was felt that officers should use their network and resources to assist the government,” the official said.21 April 2020