[UPSC Interview 2022] – Transcript #46 : Smita Nagraj ma’am Board, Economics Optional, Manga Hobby

Date of Interview: 6th February, Forenoon
Board: Smita Nagraj ma’am
Optional: Economics
Profession: Fundraising in AI sector, recent selection in state services
Hobbies: Manga

• To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2022, visit this page

Chairman

1. So, you are working at Wadhwani AI now? (No, ma’am, will join state services next week)
2. Why do you want to come from fundraising to policymaking?
3. What do _you_ want to contribute to policymaking?
4. You mentioned you want to work in MSME sector. Don’t you think our policies disincentivise growth of MSMEs into large companies?

Member 1

1. Let’s talk about taxation. Do you think the super-rich be taxed?
2. So you support a Marxian model? (No, I support providing more opportunities for the poor to build their wealth)
3. You are an electronics and communication engineer. Explain in simple terms how communication takes place.
4. Which part do you think introduces most distortion in a message while communication?

Member 3

1. You will become an SDO. How will you solve the tribal vs mining company problem? (Said, more jobs and fair relocation terms for tribals)
2. Do you know about CAMPA? How will you use it? Is it possible to relocate forests?
3. Is manga the only aspect of Japanese culture that you enjoy? (No, I also like their colourful festival and mythology. Similarities between Indian and Japanese culture).
4. Would you like to be posted in Japan if selected in IFS? (I said YES with golden retriever energy!)

Member 4

1. You mentioned about MSMEs. Where do you think bottlenecks lie?
2. It is said that lack of regulation allowed IT sector to blossom. Do you agree? (I mentioned that lack of regulation also caused a few problems)
3. So you think we should regulate it? (No, I support self regulation and soft regulation)

Member 5 

1. I was so happy to hear about the permanent commission of women in army. What do you know about it? (I said it is a great step. But I am not well versed in the court rulings and how that came about)
2. Do you think the triple talaq judgement make women equal to men? (I said, in isolation it looks like equality, but personal laws are complex. So, we will have to see how it evolves)