New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday called upon newly inducted Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer trainees to view the civil services not merely as a profession but as a lifelong commitment to the Constitution, the nation, and its people. Addressing the 2024 batch of IAS officer trainees during the Assistant Secretaries Programme at Parliament House, Birla stressed that civil servants play a decisive role in translating public aspirations into tangible outcomes through effective governance.
The interaction, organised by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), the training arm of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, focused on the responsibilities of future administrators in strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring efficient policy implementation, and delivering citizen-centric governance.
Civil Servants Are Key Agents of Change
Speaking to the officer trainees, Birla described civil servants as pivotal agents of change who bridge the gap between policymaking and implementation. He noted that while elected representatives articulate public concerns and enact laws in Parliament, it is the administrative machinery that ensures those laws and policies produce meaningful results on the ground.
He emphasised that the true success of any governance model depends not only on the quality of legislation but also on how effectively policies are implemented at the grassroots level. According to Birla, bureaucrats serve as the critical link between government objectives and public welfare.
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‘IAS Is More Than a Profession’
Urging the trainees to adopt a service-oriented mindset, Birla said the IAS should not be viewed simply as a prestigious career or government job. Instead, he encouraged them to regard their role as a lifelong commitment to upholding constitutional values and serving the nation.
He highlighted that civil servants occupy positions of immense responsibility and influence, making it essential for them to remain committed to public welfare, accountability, and ethical governance throughout their careers.
Stay Connected to Ground Realities
One of the key themes of Birla’s address was the importance of remaining closely connected with people and understanding realities at the grassroots level.
He advised future administrators not to become detached from the communities they serve and stressed that effective governance requires more than technical expertise or knowledge of rules and regulations. According to him, empathy, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of local issues are equally important qualities for successful administrators.
Birla encouraged officers to regularly engage with citizens, listen to their concerns, and gain first-hand understanding of local challenges before designing or implementing solutions.
Importance of Local Languages and Public Trust
Highlighting the role of communication in governance, Birla observed that officers who communicate with people in local languages often establish stronger connections with communities and are better able to address public grievances.
He said direct engagement with citizens helps build trust in government institutions and strengthens the relationship between the administration and the people. Such trust, he noted, is fundamental to effective governance and successful implementation of welfare programmes.
Women’s Growing Presence in Civil Services Welcomed
The Lok Sabha Speaker also expressed satisfaction over the increasing participation of women in India’s civil services. He noted that greater representation of women in administration contributes significantly to strengthening governance systems and improving decision-making processes.
Birla said that the growing number of women entering the civil services reflects positive social change and enhances the inclusiveness of public administration.
Call for Integrity, Transparency and Service to the Vulnerable
Concluding his address, Birla urged the IAS trainees to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability throughout their careers.
He emphasized that public service should remain at the core of their professional journey and encouraged them to focus their efforts on improving the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized sections of society.
The interaction formed part of the Assistant Secretaries Programme, which provides newly recruited IAS officers exposure to the functioning of key institutions of governance and policymaking. The programme aims to equip future administrators with a deeper understanding of democratic processes, parliamentary functioning, and the challenges of public administration before they assume field responsibilities.
Birla’s address underscored the enduring role of civil servants in nation-building and reiterated the importance of constitutional values, grassroots engagement, and citizen-centric governance in shaping India’s administrative future.
