(PIB)
Referring to the prevailing scenario in the country, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla said that ‘We are proud of our armed forces – their valor, bravery, and vision.’ He observed that just as the Indian Army has made our borders impregnable and strong, similarly, the Steel Frame of India, i.e., the Indian Civil Service, has played a vital role in shaping the country. He called upon the young civil servants to leave a legacy of service, guided by Indian values and democratic ideals. He also urged them to bring the sense of purpose, discipline, and service to their own roles in governance and public administration. Shri Birla made these remarks while addressing IAS Officer Trainees of 2023 batch, in Parliament premises, today.
Shri Birla exhorted the young officers to dedicate themselves to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047—a developed India that is just, inclusive, innovative, and globally respected. He called on them to make this vision their daily motivation and guiding principle. Whether it is addressing the needs of backward and tribal areas, using technology to improve the lives of the poor, or ensuring last-mile delivery of services, he said the future of India depends on the strength and dedication of its civil servants. He encouraged the trainees to engage in daily self-evaluation and strive to make tangible differences in the lives of citizens through transparent, responsive governance. With India undergoing a rapid socio-political transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Birla said civil servants must lead from the front and act as catalysts in building a new, empowered India.
He invoked the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who believed that a strong and principled administrative system was essential for safeguarding India’s unity and democracy in the turbulent period following independence. Shri Birla emphasised that the Indian civil service must always be guided by the spirit of Indian culture, remain sensitive to public sentiment, and support the continuous deepening of democracy. He said that administrative systems should ensure vigilant compliance with policies while always remaining people-centric and transparent.
Reflecting on 75 years of India’s democratic journey, he stated that democracy is the most effective model of governance for ensuring transparency, accountability, and participation.
Lok Sabha Speaker has emphasized the need for greater adoption of technology by IAS officers to enhance governance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. Highlighting the transformative role of digital tools in today’s administrative landscape, the Speaker urged officers to proactively integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and e-governance platforms into their daily functioning. He noted that leveraging technology can bridge the gap between the government and citizens, streamline public service mechanisms, and ensure faster decision-making. The Speaker also stressed the importance of continuous upskilling to keep pace with the rapidly evolving tech ecosystem, asserting that a tech-savvy bureaucracy is vital for building a future-ready and citizen-centric administration.
Shri Birla expressed pride in the record number of women in 2023 batch, saying that their representation reflects the growing inclusivity and diversity in the civil services and is a strong indicator of India’s changing societal fabric. Overall, 180 IAS officer trainees of the 2023 batch attended the programme, out of which 73 were female officers.
Lok Sabha Secretary-General Shri Utpal Kumar Singh delivered the Welcome Address. Shri Gaurav Goyal, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat proposed the Vote of Thanks.
