ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE OCCASION OF CALL ON BY THE OFFICER TRAINEES UNDERGOING 98 TH SPECIAL FOUNDATION COURSE AT HIPA, GURUGRAM

At the outset, I congratulate you all for your selection in the prestigious civil services. I am told that the special foundation course at Haryana Institute of Public Administration focuses on imparting training to you in good governance.

After listening to your experiences, I am confident that the three-month long training is making you more aware about the governance issues of the country and practices of smart and efficient governance.

Good governance is a well known term. However, the meaning of the term changes according to the time and situation. With the advent of latest technologies, terms such as electronic governance, smart governance, effective governance and others emerged to emphasize the need to ensure fast and efficient service delivery to the citizens.

Good governance also signifies citizen-centric governance. These days the feedback of the public regarding various schemes and projects of the government is considered very important for an efficient and accountable administration.

Dear officers,

In the days of social media when people can post their grievances instantly, the need to use updated governance tools and advanced technology for service delivery to people, has increased manifold. As energetic and aware civil servants, it is your duty to respond promptly to the grievances and problems of the common people. You must take such innovative measures which are beneficial to the citizens and the country in the short and long term.

I am confident that you all are ready and capable to face all challenges and resolve the toughest issues. Our civil servants have played huge role in the multi-faceted development of the country. The civil servants posted across the country are also responsible for strengthening the unity and integration of the nation. The transformation that the country is undergoing today could not have been possible without the determination of our civil servants.

Today the country is developing the advanced technologies in every field and common people in different parts of the country, especially our youth are coming out with new innovations which are cost effective and eco friendly also. We are one of the leading nations in startup eco systems and digital payments. Our civil servants have made significant contributions in these achievements.

Dear officer trainees,

It is the duty of civil servants like you to achieve the goal of inclusive development of the country. The citizens of India are active participants in the growth journey of the country. You should promote jan bhagidari to achieve the objectives of the various programmes. It is through cooperation and collaboration with all stakeholders including the private sector, non-government sector and various informed and committed citizens that the goal of developed India can be realized.

You should always remember that you have been selected for serving the nation. That should be your prime goal and you should align your individual goals with the overall goals of the country. In this journey of development of all, you need to be always ready and prepared to face challenges and convert them into opportunities.

In the end, I extend my best wishes to you for your bright future. May you make the country proud!

Thank you, 
Jai Hind! 
Jai Bharat!