After 25 transfers, IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe says his children should not join IAS

IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe reportedly says he would advise his children against joining the civil services after 25 transfers in 21 years. His son's six school changes before Class 5 offer a glimpse into the family costs of a demanding administrative career and explain why he favours entrepreneurship or public leadership.IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe reportedly says he would advise his children against joining the civil services after 25 transfers in 21 years. (Photo: PTI)New Delhi,Oct 23, 2026 14:47 ISTFor many Indian families, becoming an IAS officer is the ultimate career goal. But Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has a different answer when it comes to his own children: he would advise them not to join the civil services.The 2005-batch IAS officer reportedly made the remark at the Global Maratha Business Expo, saying he would prefer his children to become entrepreneurs or public leaders who could contribute to society with greater independence. Indian Masterminds reported his remarks on October 19, 2026.His advice comes after a 21-year career marked by around 25 transfers, with the resulting disruption extending well beyond his professional life.WHY HE DOES NOT WANT HIS CHILDREN TO JOIN IASMundhe's career has taken him across Maharashtra, from municipal administration to senior government departments. But frequent transfers have meant that his family has repeatedly had to adjust to new cities, schools and routines. The most striking example concerns his son, who changed schools six times before reaching Class 5. In a Business Today Summit, Mundhe spoke about the effect of repeated relocations on his family, including his wife's need to adjust their lives around his postings.For children, such moves can mean leaving behind friends, familiar teachers and established routines. His experience offers a personal view of the costs that can accompany a career often associated with authority and job security.ENTREPRENEURSHIP OR PUBLIC LEADERSHIP? Mundhe's reported advice is not a rejection of public service itself. Instead, he wants his children to consider other ways of contributing to society.According to Indian Masterminds, he believes young people have the energy, knowledge and ability to explore careers beyond traditional structures. Entrepreneurship and public leadership, in his view, can offer greater independence in pursuing ideas and solving problems.WHO IS IAS OFFICER TUKARAM MUNDHE?Mundhe is a 2005-batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, known for his strict approach to rule enforcement and frequent transfers. He took charge as Maharashtra's FDA Commissioner in May 2026, where his department has pursued action against unsafe food, adulteration and substandard products.His career has made him a familiar name in Maharashtra's bureaucracy. His latest reported remarks, however, offer a different perspective on the IAS dream: the professional choice of one person can shape the everyday lives of an entire family.For aspirants weighing the prestige of the civil services against its demands, Mundhe's experience raises a question worth considering: what does a career cost the people who share your life?- Ends