Dehradun, Nov 29 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that Operation Sindoor is a brilliant example of civil-military fusion where the administrative machinery worked seamlessly with the Armed Forces to communicate vital information and build public confidence.

Addressing the valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, the Defence Minister called upon the young civil servants to understand their crucial role in safeguarding national interests, and, like the brave soldiers, always stay ready for such critical situations.

He asserted that, during Operation Sindoor, the Armed Forces destroyed the terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in a balanced and non-escalatory response, but it was the misbehaviour of the neighbouring country which did not allow the situation along the border to return to normal.

The Defence Minister commended the bravery of the soldiers and appreciated the work carried out by the administrative officers as they communicated crucial information and ensured the successful conduct of mock drills across the country.

He emphasised increased coordination between governance and national security for the country to become Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Shedding light on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ and ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’, Rajnath Singh emphasised that the civil servants have a pivotal role to play in accelerating the goal of a self-reliant and developed India.

“When our government was formed in 2014, India was ranked 11th in terms of economic size. In the last 9-10 years, we have jumped to fourth place. Even highly reputed finance firms like Morgan Stanley now say that India might become the third-largest economy in the next two to three years,” he said.

Encouraging young administrators to dedicate themselves to public service, Rajnath Singh said, “You are people’s servants. You are not just providers, but facilitators of empowerment. Your character should be incorruptible. Your conduct should be full of integrity. You must create a culture where honesty is neither a virtue nor an exception, but a normal part of everyday life.”

The Defence Minister called upon young civil servants to work innovatively in the technology-driven era and find solutions to the problems of the people.

He said technology is playing the role of an enabler and cited 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 transparently analyses defence procurement and payments.

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.

Rajnath Singh also stressed that as civil servants, trainees must meet every citizen with empathy and 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.

The Defence Minister acknowledged the continuing rise in the number 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.

–IANS

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