No compromise on unity & integrity of India: PM on Civil Services Day

He was addressing civil servants after conferring the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration on the occasion of Civil Services Day at Vigyan Bhawan.

"We should see that all our decisions should strengthen the unity and integrity of the country. We must not compromise on the unity and integrity of the nation.... There can be various ideologies in a democracy. But we should always strengthen the unity and integrity of the country," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister emphasised in three goals on Civil Services Day.

"Bring Ease of Living to each and every citizen of the country. Common people should not have to struggle in their dealings with the government, benefits and services should be available to them without hassle... We have to draft new governance models with the goal of making India the best country in the world. And maintain the harmony and integrity of the nation with the underlying mantra of Nation First," he said.

All our efforts should be aligned to one thing -- Nation First, India First. Every decision should be taken keeping in mind the unity of the nation, he stressed.

The Prime Minister said every decision taken by a citizen should be taken keeping in mind the unity of the nation. Prime Ministers' Excellence Awards in Public Administration have been instituted to recognize the extraordinary and innovative work done by Districts/ implementing units and Central/ State organisations for the welfare of common citizens.

The awards are also conferred for the effective implementation of identified priority programs and innovation. A total of 16 awards for 5 identified Priority Programmes and for innovations in the sphere of public administration or delivery of services etc. have been given this year.

"The PM Excellence Awards in Public Administration winners should brief about their good work to civil services trainees virtually. This will not only inspire others but will also give practical exposure to them," he said.

The Prime Minister asked civil servants to discuss with the officers who have served the district, they are appointed, before them.

"Take their advices. You will not only honour their services but will also be able to take inspiration from them. When you try to proactively learn from people, you will always find something new to adapt in your life," he said.

Modi said India was not made by any government or dynasty but through Jan Bhagidari and Jan Tapasya by every generation that breathed on the sacred soil.

He asked civil servants to take the leadership role.

"Leadership is not just a political role, every civil servant needs to lead India to newer heights," he said. Cautioning against the lackadaisical approach, the Prime Minister stressed making behavioral changes and urged officers to proactively work for change.

"Life is about challenging yourself at every juncture of life. Computer operator and Sitarist, both use their fingers for a living but slowly the computer operator loses the will to experiment, but the Sitarist is still full of life and vigour even after 80 years," he said.

The Prime Minister also spoke on the need to abolish redundant laws and described how he removed such laws when his government came to power.

"There were so many laws that were nothing but a burden to people. This is why I decided to not create new laws. First I would eradicate these useless laws. This is why we removed 1500 such laws," he said.

The Prime Minister asked civil servants not to hesitate and convey to the state or central governments if they feel a certain law is needless.

He said reforms in governance are a continuous process that should be pursued progressively.