Vice President Highlights Administrative Excellence and Women's Empowerment in India
Celebrating Administrative Officials
In his address, the Vice President extended heartfelt wishes to all administrative officials and their retired colleagues across the nation. He recalled that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of independent India, had addressed administrative service trainees in Delhi, referring to them as the "pillars of India." This significant moment occurred 79 years ago. The Vice President emphasized that various batches of officials have consistently upheld this legacy, serving as a solid foundation for the nation's progress and prosperity. He described the administrative officials working in different states as the greatest ambassadors of national unity and solidarity.
Remarkable Progress Under Modi's Leadership
Reflecting on the unprecedented advancements achieved over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Vice President highlighted the guiding vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas." He discussed key accomplishments, including lifting nearly 250 million people out of poverty, constructing over 4 million homes for the underprivileged, and developing border villages into vibrant communities. He noted that initiatives like Lakshmi Didis and Namo Drone Didis have empowered women to play a leading role in development. He also mentioned significant programs such as the Aspirational Districts Program and 'One District, One Product,' stressing that no state or district should be left behind.
Acknowledging the Role of Administrative Officials
The Vice President praised administrative officials as true implementers of government policies, acknowledging their crucial contribution to these achievements. He emphasized that the principles of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas' should be experienced by every citizen. He pointed out that India has a long journey ahead to become a developed nation by 2047, calling for continuous commitment, integrity, and a focus on delivering services to the last mile to ensure inclusive development and effective governance. Echoing the Prime Minister's vision, he stressed that it is the duty of administrative officials to ensure that no citizen is left behind.
Embracing Technological Advancements
In light of the rapidly evolving technological landscape, the Vice President urged government employees to continuously upgrade their skills and prepare for the future. He highlighted the importance of platforms like iGOT Karmayogi for capacity building and emphasized technology's role in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accurate beneficiary outreach. He noted that technological advancements have helped reduce corruption and improve service delivery, while also cautioning that welfare schemes must be carefully designed to reach eligible beneficiaries.
Demand for Expertise in Administrative Services
The Vice President asserted that the era of relying solely on general knowledge in administrative services is over, calling for a greater demand for expertise. He urged states to adopt visionary recruitment policies to strengthen governance. He encouraged civil servants to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and blockchain.
Moral Leadership and Integrity
Quoting Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar, the Vice President stated that righteousness (Aram) is the highest wealth, providing both material prosperity and moral strength. He emphasized that true leadership, especially in challenging circumstances, is rooted in ethical conduct. He clarified the distinction between following legitimate guidance and succumbing to undue pressure, urging officials to maintain honesty and fairness at all times.
Increasing Participation of Women in Civil Services
The Vice President expressed satisfaction with the growing participation of women in administrative services. He noted that women's representation, which was around 21% in 2016, is projected to rise to approximately 31% in the 2025 examination, with many women now holding senior positions. He described this as a powerful testament to women's empowerment, reflecting not just a numerical change but also a shift in mindset. He expressed hope for similar progress in legislative bodies through the Nari Shakti Vandan Act.
The Competitive Landscape of Civil Service Examinations
The Vice President mentioned the intense competition in civil service examinations, where 1.2 to 1.5 million candidates apply each year, but only about 1,000 are selected. Reminding officials of their privileged status, he urged them to remain aware of their responsibilities towards the nation and its citizens. He encouraged them to maintain strong connections with their subordinates to better understand and address challenges.
Commitment to Service and Duty
Referring to the recent inauguration of the Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhawan, he stated that these symbolize a deep commitment to service, duty, and dedication to the nation. He urged administrative officials to ensure that their work reaches the most remote areas, brings about change in lives, addresses grievances, and empowers citizens, thereby reinforcing the values of equality, dignity, and justice.
Notable Attendees
Present at the event were Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister Mr. Shaktikanta Das, Cabinet Secretary Dr. T.V. Somanathan, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma, along with other distinguished guests.