Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi (pictured) has told the latest intake of officers into the Public Service that they bore a “huge responsibility” over the next two decades.
Addressing the probationers by video-link at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Mr Modi said they would be senior officials by the time the country celebrated 100 years of independence in 2047.
He emphasised that the role of a Public Servant was not just to give orders, but to assure the country it would stay on the path to progress in the face of problems or changes.
“The public is not just the beneficiary of Government policies and programs, but is the real driving force. That is why we need to move from government to governance,” Mr Modi said.
“For a Civil Service officer, first of all it is necessary that you are constantly connected to the common human being of the country,” he said.
“When you stay connected with people, working in democracy will become easier. Never cut off from people in the field.”
Noting the nation was marking the 145th anniversary of the birth of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Minister for Home Affairs, the Prime Minister said Mr Patel had been the father of the Public Service.
Mr Modi said Mr Patel had been a man of the people and the new recruits should also “focus on the common masses”.
“You have to work together. Your work will be effective only when you work well in a team. You have to go ahead and take care of entire districts and Departments,” he said.
“When you take decisions, they will have an impact on an entire State and the country. If you put in all efforts as a team, you will be successful and the country too, will never fail,” Mr Modi said.
New Delhi, 2 November 2020
