Raksha Mantri called upon the young civil servants to work innovatively in the technology-driven era and find solutions to the problems of the people. Technology is today playing the role of an enabler, he said, mentioning the success of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and the Income Tax Department’s Faceless Assessment Scheme. Throwing light on the SAMPURNA initiative of the Ministry of Defence, he informed that it is an AI-driven automation system that analyses defence procurement and payments in a transparent manner. He maintained that technology should be a medium, not an end. “You must use technology to increase public outreach, accessibility, and transparency. Use technology to promote welfare and increase inclusivity,” he told the officers.
Shri Rajnath Singh also stressed that as civil servants, trainees must meet every citizen with empathy & understanding. “When officers interact with the underprivileged or vulnerable sections of society, they must recognise that people’s struggles are shaped not only by their efforts but by wider social and economic circumstances. This is what makes an administrator truly people-centric and compassionate,” he said.
Raksha Mantri acknowledged the continuing rise of women in the Civil Services, noting that in the latest UPSC examination, a woman secured the top rank, and three of the top five candidates were women. He expressed confidence that by 2047, many women will rise to the position of Cabinet Secretaries and lead India’s development journey.
Shri Rajnath Singh described the Foundation Course not merely as a training module but as a commitment to building an efficient, capable, and sensitive governance system. He lauded LBSNAA for its comprehensive training ecosystem, which, he said, makes it a complete institution that strengthens the nation’s administrative capabilities.
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Reflecting on the legacy of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, Raksha Mantri underlined that the academy that bears his name stands for courage, simplicity, and integrity. He recalled Shastriji’s leadership during the 1965 war, his role in the Green Revolution and his message of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” urging officers to draw strength from his example. As the UPSC marks its 100th year, he highlighted that the partnership between UPSC & LBSNAA has shaped generations of administrators and will continue to strengthen India’s governance architecture.
Earlier, Shri Rajnath Singh paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also inaugurated a ODOP Pavilion at the premises of the academy.
