PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun Defence minister Rajnath Singh has said that the young civil servants should work innovatively in the technology-driven era and find solutions to the problems of the people. He was addressing the valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie on Saturday. He said that technology is playing the role of an enabler and mentioned the success of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and the Income Tax Department’s Faceless Assessment Scheme in this regard. Singh said that the SAMPURNA initiative of the Defence ministry is an AI-driven automation system that analyses defence procurement and payments in a transparent manner. Making a mention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ and ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’, Singh emphasised that the civil servants have a pivotal role to play in accelerating the goal of a self-reliant and developed India. “When our government was formed in 2014, India was ranked 11th in terms of economic size. In the last 9-10 years, we have jumped to fourth place. You are not just providers, but facilitators of empowerment. Your character should be incorruptible. Your conduct should be full of integrity. You must create a culture where honesty is neither a virtue nor an exception; but a normal part of everyday life,” he told the young officers. The Defence minister said that as civil servants, trainees must meet every citizen with empathy and understanding. Exhorting the young officers to understand their crucial role in safeguarding national interests, and like the brave soldiers, always stay ready for such critical situations. “Operation Sindoor is a brilliant example of civil-military fusion where the administrative machinery worked seamlessly with the Armed Forces to communicate vital information and build public confidence,” he said. Singh asserted that, during Operation Sindoor, the Armed forces destroyed the terror camps in Pakistan and PoK in a balanced and non-escalatory response. Acknowledging the rise of women in the Civil Services, Singh said that in the latest UPSC examination, a woman secured the top rank, and three of the top five candidates were women. He expressed confidence that by 2047, many women will rise to the position of cabinet secretaries and lead India’s development journey. Reflecting on the legacy of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, Defence minister underlined that the academy that bears his name stands for courage, simplicity and integrity. He recalled Shastri’s leadership during the 1965 war, his role in the Green Revolution and his message of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ urging officers to draw strength from his example.
About The Author
