‘Be ready like soldiers’: Rajnath Singh calls on Civil Servants at LBSNAA

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday hailed Operation Sindoor as a model of seamless civil–military coordination, asserting that the effort showcased how administrative systems and the Armed Forces can work in perfect sync to deliver vital information and instil public confidence.

Addressing the valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, Singh urged young civil servants to recognise their pivotal role in safeguarding national interests and remain prepared for critical challenges, much like the nation’s soldiers.

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Asserting that during Operation Sindoor, the Armed Forces destroyed the terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in a balanced and non-escalatory response, Singh said that it was the misbehavior of the neighboring country which did not allow the situation along the border to return to normal.

While he commended the bravery of the soldiers, he appreciated the work carried out by the administrative officers as they communicated crucial information and ensured successful conduct of mock drills across the country.

Quoting finance firm Morgan Stanley that India might become the third largest economy in the next two-three years, the defence minister urged the civil servants to work with a sense of responsibility and public accountability.

“You are not platonic guardians but people’s servants. You are not just providers, but facilitators of empowerment. Your character should be incorruptible. Your conduct should be full of integrity. You must create a culture where honesty is neither a virtue nor an exception; but a normal part of everyday life,” he said.

Calling upon the young civil servants to work innovatively in the technology-driven era and find solutions to the problems of the people, Singh said, “Technology is today playing the role of an enabler,” while mentioning the success of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and the Income Tax Department’s Faceless Assessment Scheme.

Throwing light on the SAMPURNA initiative of the Ministry of Defence, he informed that it is an AI-driven automation system that analyses defence procurement and payments in a transparent manner. He maintained that technology should be a medium, not an end. “You must use technology to increase public outreach, accessibility, and transparency. Use technology to promote welfare and increase inclusivity,” he told the officers.

“When officers interact with the underprivileged or vulnerable sections of society, they must recognise that people’s struggles are shaped not only by their efforts but by wider social and economic circumstances. This is what makes an administrator truly people-centric and compassionate,” he added further.

Singh also acknowledged the continuing rise of women in the Civil Services, noting that in the latest UPSC examination, a woman secured the top rank, and three of the top five candidates were women. He expressed confidence that by 2047, many women will rise to the position of Cabinet Secretaries and lead India’s development journey.