The M Venkaiah Naidu, Hon’ble Vice President of India addressed All India Services (AIS), Central Civil Services (CCS), and Military Engineer Service (MES) Officers on February 7th, 2020, who are attending their respective Foundation Courses at Dr MCR HRD Institute, Government of Telangana.
The M Venkaiah Naidu said that good governance was one of the key elements for India to achieve the desired growth trajectory. He wanted the Officers to take steps to provide efficient and effective delivery of public services by improving administrative efficiency. Stating that it was the duty of every stakeholder to not only contribute his or her mite to accelerate growth but must also ensure it to be inclusive and sustainable, he asked them to act as change agents to bring about a rapid transformation in the country’s growth narrative. Advising the civil servants to treat their profession as a public service, Venkaiah Naidu wanted them to uphold the integrity and honesty at all times. “Develop a passion to give your best and not just perform assigned duty mechanically and routinely,” he added. Pointing out that the ultimate aim of every government policy or scheme was to improve the living standards of the common man, he said: “You, the bureaucrats, are the facilitators and implementers of the decisions taken by the government. You act as the bridge between the government and the people of this country”. Expressing concern over the rising gap between Urban and Rural areas, Naidu called for concerted efforts to bridge the divide and asked the Officers to attach high priority to agriculture. “All of you must spare a thought for the less fortunate and reflect on what needs to be done as the representative of the government in your domain,” he added.
The Venkaiah Naidu urged the Officers to focus more on eradicating poverty, preventing gender discrimination, and removing illiteracy, apart from providing basic amenities in many rural areas. “Indian civilization has always kept women in high esteem. Give them enough opportunities as they have great potential”, he advised.
The Venkaiah Naidu asked all the Officers to understand the nature, functioning, and role of the three tiers of governance – Central, State, and Panchayati Raj. He wanted the States and Centre must work together with the spirit of ‘Team India’ to ensure that the fruits of development reach the most deserving people.
The VenkaiahNaidu asserted that despite the global slowdown, India continues to be one of the bright spots and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. He said that by continuing growth-oriented reforms, India has the potential to become the third-largest economy in the coming years.
The Venkaiah Naidu advised the Civil Servants to be at the forefront in eliminating corruption and ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth by providing good governance. He pointed out that corruption was eating into the vitals of the system and asked the officials to take up the elimination of corruption as a mission.
The B P Acharya, IAS, DG, Dr. MCR HRD Institute & Special Chief Secretary to Government, in his Welcome Address, said that the role of the Civil Services has assumed much greater importance in the wake of several fissiparous tendencies facing the Nation today.
The B P Acharya, IAS, said that integrating the higher Civil Services by ending vertical and horizontal hierarchies, as called upon by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in a special session of the 94th Foundation Course held at Kevadia, is the need of the hour. “This would go a long way in ensuring that all Civil Servants work together seamlessly and serve the nation collectively”, he stated and added that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel strongly believed in the presence of good All India Service as a precondition for a united India.
The Harpreet Singh, IAS, Additional Director General proposed a vote of thanks. Brig. P.K.G. Mishra,CE (R&D) of Military Engineer Services (MES) also graced the event.
