Governance – Young Civil Servants Encouraged to Drive India’s Development Goals
Governance – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with 183 officer trainees from the 2024 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), encouraging them to approach public service with dedication, responsibility, and a clear commitment to national development. The interaction took place at Seva Teerth, where the Prime Minister shared his expectations from the future administrators who will play a key role in shaping governance across the country.
Focus on Responsibility and Public Service
Addressing the trainees, the Prime Minister said they have now reached an important stage in their professional journey after completing field exposure and administrative training. He noted that the decisions they make in the coming years will influence the lives of millions of people and contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.
He stressed that the true challenge of public service begins when officers face real-world situations and are required to respond with honesty, compassion, and accountability. According to him, administrative roles should always be guided by a sense of purpose and a commitment to serving citizens effectively.
Citizen-Centric Governance Emphasised
During the session, PM Modi urged the young officers to place citizens at the heart of every administrative decision. Referring to the principle of “Nagrik Devo Bhava,” he highlighted the importance of understanding the human stories behind official files and government procedures.
He remarked that every file reflects the hopes, concerns, and needs of individuals and communities. Therefore, governance should remain responsive, inclusive, and sensitive to the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
Importance of Coordination Across Departments
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among government departments. He observed that many of the country’s development challenges require coordinated efforts rather than isolated actions by individual ministries.
According to him, effective communication and cooperation within the government system can help achieve sustainable and meaningful outcomes that directly benefit citizens.
Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
Speaking about India’s long-term development roadmap, PM Modi said that every policy decision and administrative initiative should align with the objective of building a developed nation by 2047. He identified key national priorities such as self-reliance, expansion of manufacturing capabilities, energy security, and the creation of employment opportunities for young people.
He expressed confidence that the officer trainees, currently serving as Assistant Secretaries in various ministries and departments, would contribute significantly to advancing these national goals through their talent and commitment.
Technology and Data in Modern Governance
The Prime Minister noted that governance in India has undergone significant changes over the past decade, moving increasingly toward outcome-based administration. He pointed to the growing use of digital platforms, technology, and artificial intelligence in improving public service delivery and increasing transparency.
He also stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making. Rather than viewing data as mere statistics, he said it should be understood as a reflection of the experiences and aspirations of millions of citizens. Officers were encouraged to regularly assess whether government policies are producing meaningful results on the ground.
Women Officers Mark Strong Representation
Highlighting the changing profile of the civil services, PM Modi observed that women constitute more than 40 percent of the current IAS trainee batch. He described this as a positive development and acknowledged the increasing contribution of women to nation-building and public administration.
The interaction was attended by several senior government officials, including Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary-2 Shaktikanta Das, Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan, Secretary (DoPT) Rachna Shah, and LBSNAA Director Sriram Taranikanti, among others.