Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized the importance of civil servants connecting with citizens, urging them to prioritize the needs of the common people and ensure effective last-mile delivery of services. This focus on citizen-centric governance has been a recurring theme in his addresses to bureaucrats, highlighting a shift from a traditional, rule-bound approach to one that is more empathetic, responsive, and facilitative.
Modi's vision centers around the idea of "Naagrik Devo Bhava," which translates to "the citizen is like God." This mantra encourages civil servants to treat citizens with utmost respect, understand their problems, and prioritize resolving their difficulties. He has stressed that civil servants should be sensitive to the voices of the poor and underprivileged, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed promptly.
The Prime Minister has also underscored the need for civil services to adapt to contemporary challenges and leverage technology for smart and inclusive governance. In a rapidly changing world, where technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, civil servants must equip themselves with the skills to understand and utilize technology effectively. This includes becoming tech-savvy, embracing data-driven decision-making, and using technology to make policies and schemes more efficient and accessible. Modi believes that in the age of technology, governance is not just about managing systems but about multiplying possibilities.
Furthermore, Modi has emphasized the importance of "minimum government, maximum governance," urging civil servants to reduce interference in the lives of citizens and empower the common man. This involves transforming the role of civil services from being mere keepers of rule books to becoming active facilitators of growth and enterprise. He has called for the elimination of outdated frameworks and obsolete systems, fostering an environment that promotes entrepreneurship and helps citizens overcome barriers.
In line with this vision, the government has launched Mission Karmayogi, a capacity-building scheme aimed at upgrading the post-recruitment training mechanism for civil servants at all levels. This program seeks to enhance the competencies of civil servants and prepare them for the challenges of a rapidly evolving India. The goal is to create a future-ready civil service that is equipped to meet the changing needs and aspirations of citizens.
Modi has also highlighted the importance of holistic development, which means ensuring that no village, no family, and no citizen is left behind. This involves providing clean water in every home, quality education for every child, financial access for every entrepreneur, and ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy reach every village.
The Prime Minister's emphasis on citizen connection is not just rhetoric; it is a call to action for civil servants to embrace a new mindset and approach to governance. By prioritizing the needs of citizens, leveraging technology, and promoting holistic development, civil servants can play a crucial role in building a Viksit Bharat – a developed and prosperous India where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
