Public service must remain at the heart of administration, Chhattisgarh CM tells IAS trainees

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday urged newly inducted Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer trainees to place public service at the centre of their professional lives. He said administrative authority carries immense responsibility and should always be exercised with sensitivity, fairness, and a commitment to public welfare. The Chief Minister emphasised that the true measure of an administrator lies not in the power of the office but in the positive impact of decisions on people’s lives.

Sai made these remarks while interacting with IAS officer trainees of the Chhattisgarh cadre—Gokul R. K., V. Yashwanth Nayak and Ishant Jaiswal—who paid a courtesy visit to him at his official residence in Raipur. The officers are currently undergoing training at the Chhattisgarh Academy of Administration in Nimora.

Advertisement

Congratulating the trainees on their success in one of the country’s most competitive examinations, the Chief Minister extended his best wishes for their careers and encouraged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism throughout their service.

During the interaction, Sai said administrative officers occupy positions that directly influence the lives of thousands of citizens. Every decision taken by an officer, he observed, has consequences for ordinary people and, therefore, public interest must remain the foremost consideration in governance.

He urged the young trainees to remain closely connected with citizens, understand local realities, and respond to people’s concerns with empathy. According to him, effective administration is built not only on rules and procedures but also on the ability to appreciate the human dimension behind every issue.

The Chief Minister said the value of education and professional training ultimately lies in how effectively knowledge is used to improve the lives of citizens. He encouraged the young officers to view their careers as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society and bring about positive change through responsive governance.

Sai also shared his perspective on Chhattisgarh’s development journey and briefed the trainees on the state’s social and economic landscape. He spoke about improvements in connectivity, the growth of the tourism sector, efforts to tackle Left-Wing Extremism, and the emergence of new development opportunities across different regions of the state.

The Chief Minister further highlighted Chhattisgarh’s cultural diversity and rich tribal traditions, describing them as important aspects of the state’s identity. He said understanding local culture and community aspirations is essential for effective administration, particularly in a state as socially diverse as Chhattisgarh.

The officer trainees informed the Chief Minister that, as part of their training programme, they had visited Sukma and Bijapur districts in Bastar Division, as well as Jashpur, Surguja and Koriya districts in Surguja Division. These field visits provided them with first-hand exposure to administrative systems, development initiatives, and the challenges faced by local communities.

They also visited the revered Maa Danteshwari Temple and interacted with residents in different parts of the state. The officers said the experience had helped them gain a deeper understanding of Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage and governance landscape.

Sharing their impressions, the trainees described Chhattisgarh as a state marked by cultural richness, social diversity, and warm community relationships. They said their interactions with tribal communities and local residents had left a lasting impression and reinforced their commitment to public service.

The officers also spoke about their journey towards clearing the Civil Services Examination and the challenges they faced during preparation.

Drawing upon his own experiences in public life, Sai encouraged them to remain grounded, continue learning throughout their careers, and maintain a people-centric approach while discharging their responsibilities.