Role of civil servants crucial in progress, says Arunachal Pradesh Dy CM Mein

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said Friday that the role of civil servants in the path of progress has been crucial in the state. Addressing senior civil service officers on the occasion of civil service day, the deputy chief minister said that civil servants played a crucial role in both policy formulation and implementation in the state, and their professional competence decides to a large extent on the implementation of government schemes at the ground level.

Mein said that Arunachal Pradesh excels in holistic development, leaving no region or individual behind. Infrastructure, healthcare, education, children's welfare, women's empowerment, farmers' welfare, and good governance are among the significant accomplishments, he added. "Previously, long foot marches crossing rivers on elephants or boats were commonplace, but now the state boasts world-class roads and bridges. Arunachal Pradesh is now one of the top-performing states," Mein said, adding that it was the result of the dedication of bureaucrats and technocrats towards nation-building and commitment to public service and excellence in work, which has been a vital factor in the development of the state. He further said that the role of civil servants has undergone a major transformation over the years.

"We also need to understand the challenges before civil servants in these changing times and take proactive steps to 'perform, reform, and transform', in the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added. He called for adapting to the rapidly changing technology while referring to the three aspects of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-Sapna, Sankalp, and Siddhi-from the civil service officers. Mein advised them to evolve continuously by acquiring the necessary skills and domain knowledge to cope with the daunting challenges. "In my long association with the governance process, I have come across many civil servants who would discharge their official duty with responsibility, honesty, accountability, and without discrimination. Many were known for effective management of time and resources. Some ensured the leadership development and personal growth of the youngsters," he said. He suggested to the civil servants how the civil service can fit into the future.

He also appreciated the officers who have been instrumental in improving the lives of the citizens and commended their commitment to serving the people of the state. On the occasion, Home Minister Bamang Felix, Chief Secretary in Charge Sandeep Kumar, Secretary (IT) Anirudh S Singh, Secretary (Administrative Reforms) Ajay Chagti, and Mari Angu, Joint Secretary (AR), also spoke. National Civil Service Day is observed annually on April 21 in remembrance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's address to the Administrative Services Officers' probationers at Metcalf House, New Delhi, in 1947. The day provides an opportunity for civil servants to recommit themselves to public service and strive for excellence in their work. Sardar Patel had famously referred to civil servants as the 'steel frame of India'.