(PIB)
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, addressed IAS trainees and civil servants at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, highlighting the transformative journey of governance over the past decade under PM Narendra Modi.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions emphasized the democratization of service delivery, noting that prior to 2014, a residual colonial hangover continued to shape administrative roles and mindsets.
“The role of the ‘Collector’ has evolved from being a revenue collector for the King during British times to becoming a District Development Commissioner in a welfare state,” the Minister stated.
Addressing the programme, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that the government has introduced several groundbreaking reforms to enhance transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in public service delivery. The Digital Life Certificate Campaign has revolutionized pension disbursal by enabling elderly pensioners to verify their identity using facial recognition technology, eliminating the need for physical visits to bank branches. Significant strides have also been made in simplifying administrative processes, including the introduction of a single pension form, a unified fellowship application portal, and the abolition of over 1,600 outdated rules.
To promote inclusivity, Dr Jitendra Singh said, government recruitment exams are now conducted in 13 regional languages, with plans to extend this to all 22 scheduled languages recognized by the Constitution. Further ensuring a level playing field, interviews for certain Group B and C posts have been abolished, promoting merit-based selection. Additionally, Rozgar Melas—large-scale employment fairs—have been launched to provide job opportunities and raise aspirations among the youth.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the significance of the Swachhata Campaign, which not only optimized office space but also generated more than ₹250 crore in revenue from the disposal of scrap materials. The Minister reiterated the “Whole-of-Government” and “Whole-of-Nation” approach, referencing Operation Sindoor as an example of national unity and coordination.
Highlighting initiatives for young officers, Dr. Singh spoke about the Assistant Secretaryship Programme, where IAS officers work in central ministries for two months. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, officers who had undergone this programme displayed greater confidence and adaptability,” he noted.
Dr Jitendra Singh also mentioned the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, which now emphasize initiative and impact, rather than individual recognition. Over two dozen regional conferences have been conducted by the ministry across the country—from Leh to Kanyakumari, emphasizing decentralized governance and participatory development.
Dr. Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Modi’s 2016 Digital India vision for ensuring uninterrupted governance during the pandemic. “By 2020, 70-80% of our work was already online. During COVID, there was zero disruption, even for a single day,” he said.
Referring to his article “Changing Face of Civil Services in India,” Dr. Singh observed a diverse, inclusive trend in UPSC selections—with toppers emerging from remote, rural backgrounds and government schools, thanks to technology as a great equalizer.
He encouraged a retrospective study on the effectiveness of coaching centres, noting that aspirants from traditionally underrepresented states like Haryana and Punjab are now making it to the top ranks.
“These governance reforms are not just bureaucratic—they are profound socio-economic reforms,” he remarked, calling this era under PM Modi as “The Best Times for India.”
In conclusion, Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the young civil servants with optimism: “You are the blessed generation, and in 2047, when India celebrates its centenary of Independence as a Viksit Bharat, you will be in your prime to witness and shape India’s glory.”
The session began with a welcome address and report by Sriram Taranikanti, Director, LBSNAA.
