SUCCESS OF GOVERNANCE DEPENDS ON HOW EFFECTIVELY LAWS AND POLICIES ARE IMPLEMENTED AT GRASSROOTS LEVEL:  LOK SABHA SPEAKER

New Delhi-Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today urged IAS Officer Trainees of the 2024 batch to view the Indian Administrative Service not merely as a profession, but as a lifelong commitment to the Constitution, the nation, and its people.

Interacting with the officer trainees under the “Assistant Secretaries Programme”—organized by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) of the Lok Sabha Secretariat at Parliament House, Shri Birla described civil servants as agents of change who hold the key to translating the aspirations of citizens into tangible outcomes. He emphasized that the success of governance ultimately depends on how effectively laws and policies are implemented at the grassroots level.

Addressing the trainees, Shri Birla stated that Parliament is not merely a platform for law-making, but the supreme expression of the aspirations, expectations, and concerns of the people. He noted that an association with Parliament provides a unique opportunity to closely understand the functioning of Indian democracy, the legislative process, and the institutions that uphold democratic governance. He urged the trainees to utilize their parliamentary attachment as a rich learning experience to deepen their understanding of public administration and democratic accountability.

Lok Sabha Speaker further emphasized the importance of understanding the legislative process in its entirety, including the core rationale behind laws. He observed that while Parliament enacts laws, it is the administrative machinery that translates legislative intent into meaningful outcomes for citizens. He remarked that a law derives its true value from effective execution, noting that civil servants play a decisive role in ensuring public policies achieve their intended objectives. He said, “elected representatives give voice to the aspirations of the people, while administrators convert those aspirations into reality through policies, programmes, and efficient service delivery.”

Lok Sabha Speaker advised the trainees to remain closely connected with the public and to develop a deep understanding of India’s diverse social, cultural, and geographical landscape. He stated that an administrator requires not only a thorough knowledge of laws, rules, and procedures, but also empathy, sensitivity, and an appreciation of local realities. Officers who engage directly with the public, understand their grievances, and communicate in local languages are far better equipped to earn public trust and deliver meaningful change, he added.

Shri Birla also lauded the growing participation and success of women in the civil services, observing that their increasing contribution is significantly strengthening governance across the country. He highlighted integrity, compassion, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to public service as essential qualities for every civil servant.

Calling upon the trainees to uphold the highest standards of transparency and integrity, Shri Birla said that the people of India repose immense trust in the Indian Administrative Service as an institution. He urged them to remain dedicated to the welfare of the last person in society, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every citizen. Shri Birla highlighted that responsibility and accountability are the cornerstones of good governance, noting that parliamentary processes offer valuable lessons in both.

Concluding his interaction, Shri Birla urged them to carry forward the values of constitutional governance, public accountability, and citizen-centric administration throughout their careers, dedicating themselves to the service of the nation with humility and integrity.