Bhopal: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Thursday said that India is now fully capable of facing every challenge and circumstance, and the time has come to embrace innovation and technology while thinking from a citizen-centric perspective. Addressing the inauguration of the Madhya Pradesh IAS Association Service Meet–2025 at the State Administrative Academy, the Chief Minister called upon officers to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the development of the state.
Dr. Yadav said that Swami Vivekananda had envisioned the 21st century as India’s century, and under the dynamic leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that vision is now becoming a reality. “Today, every nation in the world wants to build friendships with India. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the country has emerged strong and confident, capable of tackling any global or domestic challenge,” he said.
Role of IAS Officers in Nation Building
Highlighting the critical role of the Indian Administrative Service, the Chief Minister said that India’s strong position on the global stage is largely due to the dedication and resilience of its administrative officers. “Despite the country’s vast diversity, IAS officers continue to discharge their duties with commitment and integrity, steering the nation forward through every challenge,” he added.
Dr. Yadav recalled that after Independence, the administrative framework of the country was shaped through the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He said administrative officers played a crucial role in transforming princely states into a democratic system. He also emphasized the importance of coordination between the Centre and states in strengthening governance and building a positive image of Madhya Pradesh.
Madhya Pradesh as a Hub of Innovation
Describing Madhya Pradesh as a “laboratory of innovation,” the Chief Minister said that several pioneering initiatives launched in the state have been adopted across the country and even internationally. He noted that Prime Minister Modi values experience and competence, which is why the expertise of retired officers is also being utilised in governance even after their service tenure.
“Senior officers rich in experience and young officers filled with energy together form the foundation of a developed and self-reliant Madhya Pradesh,” Dr. Yadav said. He stressed that along with policy formulation and implementation, administrators must understand innovation, adopt technology, and think from the perspective of citizens.
Citizen-Centric Governance
The Chief Minister reminded officers that public service is a privilege earned through hard work. Quoting the cultural belief that “service to humanity is service to God,” he urged officers to give top priority to addressing the grievances of common people, listening to their concerns, and providing meaningful solutions.
“We must resolve to give our 100 per cent for the development of the state,” he said.
Views from IAS Association
Madhya Pradesh IAS Association President and Additional Chief Secretary Manu Shrivastava said that the Service Meet would focus on discussions around the success of new ventures and innovations. He described Madhya Pradesh as a state that embraces everyone and said IAS officers are working tirelessly under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav to take the state forward.
Organising Committee Chairman P. Narhari said that under the Chief Minister’s leadership, public service in the state is being carried out with dignity and purpose.
The event was inaugurated by lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Minister. Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, serving and retired IAS officers of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, and other senior officials were present in large numbers. Dr. Yadav was also presented with a memento on the occasion.
