Dr. Jitendra Singh Interacts with Senior Officers at 50th APPA Program

New Delhi: Chairman of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Dr. Jitendra Singh, engaged with senior-level officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Civil Services today at the 50th (Golden) Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration (APPA). The event took place at the IIPA campus, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history.

The APPA, a prestigious 10-month course sponsored by the Department of Personnel and Training, is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of senior officers. Participants, who hold positions of Deputy Secretary/Director or above in the Government of India, as well as equivalent ranks in defense services, will be awarded a Master’s in Public Administration and Public Policy by Punjab University upon successful completion. This program has been a cornerstone of IIPA’s offerings since its inception in 1975.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, who serves as Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, the PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, expressed his pleasure in being part of the golden APPA. He emphasized the importance of advanced training for government officers to prepare them for future challenges, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to capacity building through initiatives like ‘Mission Karmayogi,’ Dr. Singh underscored the need for continuous learning and peer education among civil servants. He shared his personal habit of daily learning and encouraged participants to adopt a similar mindset.

Dr. Singh elaborated on the APPA program’s alignment with the Mission Karmayogi framework, which aims to equip officers with the skills needed for effective governance in 2047, during Amrit Kaal. The program focuses on developing the right attitudes, skills, and knowledge, with a citizen-centric approach to governance.

Drawing from his extensive public service experience, Dr. Singh advocated for a shift from a rule-based to a role-based governance approach under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, aimed at empowering citizens. He stressed the importance of communication and interpersonal skills and shared examples of effective joint cooperation between District Magistrates and Army Officers in conflict zones.

Dr. Singh also discussed the government’s approach to governance, including grievance redressal and the development of indices to guide future development models. He mentioned the Department of Administrative Reforms’ efforts to create a ‘Vision Document’ and build capacity for future scenarios, urging participants to stay abreast of technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning while maintaining a human touch through initiatives like the Human Desk.

Highlighting India’s leadership in governance, Dr. Singh cited the SWAMITVA program as a model for land reforms and the National Quantum Mission as a future game changer. He also took feedback and suggestions from participants, promising to incorporate them into future programs