Civil servants should contribute meaningfully to society: Birla

New Delhi, Jun 12: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Thursday stressed that bringing positive transformation in people’s lives should be the guiding spirit for the civil servants. He appealed them to adopt innovation and transparency as tools of governance for betterment of the society and for fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people.
Drawing examples from his personal experiences, Birla mentioned that people, particularly those who are marginalised, look towards the civil servants with hope and, as such, it is officers responsibility to act with compassion, fairness, and a strong sense of duty to fulfill these hopes and contribute meaningfully to the welfare of all sections of society.
Birla made these comments, while addressing the Officer Trainees of the 127th Induction Training Programme organized by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.
Mentioning that the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, stands as a symbol of democratic values, simplicity, and integrity, Shri Birla spoke, at length, about the contributions of the Academy to nation building. Referring to the Officers as “karmayogis”, he counselled them to actively contribute to nation’s prosperity and progress. He added that as they transition to the Indian Administrative Service, the induction training, would broaden their perspectives and inspire new approaches to governance. Observing that democracy has three pillars, among which the executive branch plays a crucial role, he emphasized that after policies are made, it is the responsibility of the officers to implement them effectively. Speaking about former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, Birla said that Shastri Ji’s life and thoughts continue to inspire public servants to uphold democratic ideals with humility and commitment.
Referring to India’s unparalleled diversity—linguistic, cultural, geographical, and social — the Speaker opined that despite the diversities, the country has successfully built a robust democratic and administrative system rooted in collective participation and cooperation. He added that India stands out for this reason, among global democracies. Observing that the core responsibility of public administrators is not merely the implementation of policies but also bringing about meaningful change in the lives of the most marginalized citizens, Birla noted that a sensitive, empathetic officer has the potential to transform society—its behavior, mindset, and local governance patterns. He urged officers to see their role not just as executors of laws and schemes but also as change-makers who can uplift communities, especially during times of crisis and challenge. Their work, he said, should reflect commitment to justice and service to the last person in society. He also counselled them to enforce the law and work towards bringing change in the lives of the most marginalized sections of society.
True leadership, Birla noted, lies in sincerity, impartiality, and consistent service. He underlined that officers who work with integrity often gain deep public trust—so much so that even after transfers, they are remembered fondly by the people. He recalled that in many instances, he had seen the public stand in support of such officers, sometimes even in the face of political resistance. He encouraged officers to internalize the belief that no work is too small and every effort to assist the poor and the marginalized adds meaning to public service. He added that wiping the tears of even one person gives renewed energy to serve the next day with more commitment. He stressed that, officers should make every possible effort to resolve people’s problems and use all tools at their disposal to ensure benefits for the people. He stated that if administrative work is done properly, the public will not need to approach their elected representatives.
Highlighting the worth of adaptive approach, Birla stressed the importance of continuous learning and training. He said that with evolving technologies, changing societal expectations, and shifting global contexts, administrators must stay updated and self-reflective. Exchanging experiences with peers during training enriches one’s understanding and often inspires new and better practices, he said. He added that every citizen who approaches an officer should feel heard and supported. He urged the officers to take every issue as their personal responsibility—ensuring that no one stands unheard or unattended. He emphasized that true happiness comes not from personal gain but from meaningful work. Bringing justice or solving a common person’s issue not only earns blessings but renews one’s sense of purpose, he said.