Mussoorie: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, delivered the valedictory address at the 99th Common Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie on Thursday. Addressing young officers, he emphasized their pivotal role in shaping a self-reliant and developed India by 2047, the centenary of the country’s independence.
Shah highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global leader and stressed that the work of the new civil service officers in the next 25 years would be instrumental in realizing this goal. He urged the officers to adopt a proactive approach to governance, ensuring that development reaches every citizen.
Shah advised the young officers to prioritize public welfare over personal interests, advocating the use of data and artificial intelligence (AI) for effective decision-making. “Development is not just about statistics; it is about outcomes,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the “Whole of Government” approach to achieving coordinated and inclusive development.
He also called for efforts to build an India where equal opportunities and self-respect are accessible to all citizens, stressing the importance of social harmony in the nation’s progress.
Acknowledging that 38% of the present batch of civil service officers are women, Shri Shah highlighted the importance of women’s participation in policymaking. He linked this to PM Modi’s vision of “Women-Led Development,” stating that inclusive progress is only possible with equitable representation of women in decision-making roles.
Shah encouraged officers to leverage AI and local data for micro-planning and problem-solving in their districts. He praised the Modi government’s initiatives such as GST, which he described as a cornerstone of economic growth, and the New Education Policy, which prioritizes education in local languages.
He highlighted major reforms, including the replacement of colonial-era criminal laws, and projected that with technological integration, the conviction rate could rise to 90% in the next decade.
The Home Minister pointed to significant progress in addressing challenges like terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Left-Wing Extremism, insurgency in the Northeast, and narcotics trafficking. He expressed confidence that Left-Wing Extremism would be eradicated by March 2026.
Shah also noted that the three new criminal laws would expedite justice delivery, with the Supreme Court expected to resolve cases within three years, bolstering India’s justice system as one of the most modern globally.
Echoing PM Modi’s slogan, “Vikas Bhi, Viraasat Bhi” (Development along with Heritage), Shah urged the officers to embrace India’s rich cultural traditions while fostering innovation and progress.
The event underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing capable and visionary civil servants. Shah encouraged the officers to adopt a spirit of lifelong learning, yoga, and meditation to maintain balance and focus throughout their careers.
“Your dedication and proactive approach will ensure that the dreams of our freedom fighters and the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians are realized,” Shah concluded.
