SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday urged successful civil services candidates to place public welfare above the prestige of their positions, stressing that the true measure of an administrator lies in the difference their decisions make to ordinary people’s lives.
Addressing a felicitation ceremony for successful candidates of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 and the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) Examination 2024, Sinha said public office was a responsibility entrusted by citizens and demanded humility, integrity and sensitivity towards the vulnerable.
Congratulating the candidates, he also acknowledged the contribution of their parents in helping them achieve their goals.
The Lieutenant Governor told the young officers that clearing a competitive examination was only the beginning of their responsibility, and urged them to focus on meaningful public service rather than recognition or status.
Recalling Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s description of the civil services as the nation’s “steel frame”, Sinha called on the candidates to uphold the dignity of public institutions and contribute to truth, justice and public welfare. He said the success of JKAS candidates also reflected Jammu and Kashmir’s aspirations, resilience and democratic spirit.
“Behind every file lies a precious life. I urge you to also look at the data hidden behind files, and to recognise the people standing behind those figures and understand their needs,” he said.
“Leadership is not a special privilege, but a great responsibility to serve others, guide them, support them, and empower them,” he added.
Sinha outlined a three-stage approach to the officers’ professional development, beginning with a direct understanding of ground realities through engagement with citizens and local institutions. He asked them to subsequently develop transparent, technology-enabled systems to reduce delays and improve service delivery, before taking on greater leadership responsibilities while protecting institutions and maintaining ethical standards.
Emphasising the importance of compassion, courage, evidence-based decision-making and commitment to humanity, the Lieutenant Governor urged the officers to look beyond administrative procedures and understand the circumstances and aspirations of the people affected by their decisions.
He said the country’s progress towards 2047 would be shaped by the values, working practices and decisions of its young public servants. Their achievements, he said, should ultimately be judged by their contribution to people’s welfare rather than the stature of the offices they hold.
“The responsibility of the future rests upon your shoulders,” Sinha said, expressing hope that the officers would serve in ways that produce visible improvements in people’s lives.
Rehana Batul, Director General of the J&K Institute for Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (JKIMPARD); GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Owais Ali Bhat, Director of Exceptional Academy; and office-bearers of the academy attended the ceremony.
