Rajnath Singh Urges Civil Servants to Lead with Integrity, Innovation & Empathy

Shri Rajnath Singh underscored Operation Sindoor as a remarkable example of seamless coordination between civil administration and the Indian Armed Forces.

 

At the valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie on 29 November 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh delivered a powerful address to young civil service trainees. Emphasizing their defining role in shaping India’s path toward Viksit Bharat 2047, he called upon them to adopt integrity, empathy, technological innovation, and a strong sense of national duty.

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Operation Sindoor: A Benchmark in Civil-Military Fusion

Shri Rajnath Singh underscored Operation Sindoor as a remarkable example of seamless coordination between civil administration and the Indian Armed Forces. He stated that during the operation, the Armed Forces neutralized terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in a calibrated, non-escalatory response aimed at safeguarding national security.

While praising the bravery and operational finesse of soldiers, he made special mention of the administrative machinery, which played a vital complementary role. Civil officials ensured the timely flow of critical information to the public, executed mock drills nationwide, and reinforced public confidence during tense moments along the border.

He noted that although India responded with restraint, the hostile posture of the neighboring country prolonged instability. Nevertheless, Operation Sindoor highlighted how civil-military fusion is indispensable for national preparedness and effective crisis response.

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Civil Servants: Drivers of Self-Reliant and Developed India

Linking governance to national ambition, the Raksha Mantri reminded trainees of the Government’s vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ and ‘Reform, Perform, Transform’. He urged them to see themselves not as aloof authorities but as servants of the people, dedicated to empowerment and equity.

Key points he emphasized:

• India’s rise from the 11th to the 4th largest economy within a decade

• Global economic forecasters, including Morgan Stanley, projecting India as the 3rd largest economy in the next few years

• Civil servants must maintain incorruptible character and unquestionable integrity

• Honesty should be a daily norm, not an exceptional trait

• Administrators should cultivate public accountability, humility, and responsibility

He stressed that the next two decades would be transformative for India, and young administrators would serve as the backbone of this national progress.

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Technology as a Catalyst for Governance Innovation

In an era of rapid technological evolution, Shri Rajnath Singh called on future bureaucrats to embrace innovation and digital tools to solve people's problems more efficiently. He highlighted several national initiatives where technology has empowered citizens and streamlined systems:

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: Expanding financial inclusion

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Ensuring transparency and eliminating middlemen

• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: Creating a unified health ecosystem

• Faceless Tax Assessment: Minimizing human interface, reducing corruption

He also showcased the SAMPURNA initiative, an AI-driven automation mechanism by the Ministry of Defence that analyzes procurement and payments to enhance transparency and accountability.

Technology, he said, should be viewed as a means to improve accessibility, outreach, and inclusivity, not an end in itself.

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Empathy as a Pillar of Public Service

The Raksha Mantri reminded the trainees that compassionate governance arises from understanding the lived experiences of citizens—especially vulnerable and marginalized communities.

He emphasised that:

• Bureaucrats must meet every citizen with empathy and humility

• Social and economic challenges shape people’s struggles

• Administrators must strive to remain people-centric and compassionate

A sensitive public servant, he noted, can transform lives not just through policy but also through human connection.

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Recognizing the Rise of Women in Civil Services

Drawing attention to the growing number of women excelling in the UPSC examinations, he celebrated the achievement of a woman securing the top rank and the presence of women among the top five candidates. He expressed confidence that by 2047, a significant number of women will be leading India’s bureaucracy as Cabinet Secretaries and senior administrators, accelerating the nation’s development.

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LBSNAA: A Legacy of Excellence and Service

Calling the Foundation Course a formative experience rather than just training, Shri Rajnath Singh commended LBSNAA for cultivating discipline, leadership, and administrative values among officers.

He reflected on the legacy of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose name the academy proudly carries. Shastriji’s simplicity, integrity, and courage—highlighted by his leadership during the 1965 war, his contribution to the Green Revolution, and his timeless message of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”—serve as enduring inspirations for every civil servant.

Shri Rajnath Singh also paid tributes to Lal Bahadur Shastri and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, acknowledging their monumental roles in nation-building. During his visit, he inaugurated an ODOP (One District, One Product) Pavilion, showcasing India’s rich craftsmanship and local enterprise potential.

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A Call to Build the India of 2047

In his closing message, the Raksha Mantri urged the trainees to contribute to building a strong, secure, self-reliant, and compassionate India. By aligning the spirit of public service with national security, economic growth, innovation, and ethical governance, civil servants can help India achieve its aspirations for 2047.