Mussoorie: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh spoke to IAS trainees and civil servants at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie on May 17, 2025, emphasizing the transformation of governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership since 2014. 

He described how administrative roles have shifted from colonial-era revenue collection to development-focused responsibilities, with the "Collector" now serving as a District Development Commissioner in a welfare state. Dr Singh highlighted reforms aimed at transparency and accessibility, including conducting government recruitment exams in 13 regional languages, with plans to expand to all 22 constitutionally recognized languages. 

The Swachhata Campaign, he noted, has optimized office spaces and generated over Rs 250 crore from scrap disposal. He praised the "Whole-of-Government" approach, citing Operation Sindoor as a symbol of national coordination. Dr Singh also discussed the Assistant Secretaryship Programme, which allows IAS officers to work in central ministries for two months, boosting their adaptability during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence now prioritize initiative and impact over individual recognition, with regional conferences from Leh to Kanyakumari promoting decentralized governance. Reflecting on his article, “Changing Face of Civil Services in India,” Dr Singh pointed to the increasing diversity in UPSC selections, with toppers from rural areas and government schools succeeding due to technology’s leveling effect. 

He urged a study on coaching centres’ effectiveness, noting rising success from states like Haryana and Punjab. Addressing the trainees, he called them a “blessed generation” poised to shape a developed India by 2047, when the nation celebrates its independence centenary. The event began with a welcome address by LBSNAA Director Sriram Taranikanti.

BI Bureau