Dehradun, Nov 29 (NationPress) The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, remarked on Saturday that Operation Sindoor exemplifies an outstanding instance of civil-military collaboration, where the administrative framework worked in harmony with the Armed Forces to relay crucial information and foster public trust.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, the Defence Minister urged young civil servants to recognize their vital role in protecting national interests and, akin to valiant soldiers, to always be prepared for significant challenges.

He emphasized that during Operation Sindoor, the Armed Forces effectively dismantled terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir through a measured and non-escalatory approach, although the provocations from the neighboring country prevented normalization along the border.

The Defence Minister praised the courage of the soldiers and acknowledged the contributions of administrative officials who relayed essential information and ensured the effective execution of mock drills throughout the nation.

He highlighted the necessity of enhanced coordination between governance and national security to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's principles of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' and 'Reform, Perform and Transform', Rajnath Singh stressed the significant role civil servants play in advancing the agenda of a self-sufficient and developed India.

“When our government took office in 2014, India was ranked 11th in economic size. Over the past 9-10 years, we have risen to 4th place. Esteemed financial institutions like Morgan Stanley predict that India could become the third-largest economy in the next two to three years,” he stated.

Encouraging young administrators to commit themselves to public service, Rajnath Singh remarked, “You are public servants, not merely providers but facilitators of empowerment. Your character must be incorruptible, and your conduct must embody integrity. You should cultivate a culture where honesty is a routine aspect of daily life.”

The Defence Minister urged the new civil servants to innovate in this technology-driven era and devise solutions to public challenges.

He noted that technology serves as a facilitator, citing successful initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and the Income Tax Department’s Faceless Assessment Scheme.

Highlighting the SAMPURNA initiative from the Ministry of Defence, he disclosed that it is an AI-driven automation system that transparently evaluates defence procurement and payments.

He insisted that technology should be a means to an end: “You must leverage technology to improve public outreach, accessibility, and transparency. Utilize technology to enhance welfare and promote inclusivity,” he advised the officials.

Rajnath Singh additionally emphasized that as civil servants, trainees should engage with every citizen with empathy and understanding.

“When officers engage with the underprivileged or vulnerable groups, they must acknowledge that people's difficulties are influenced not only by their own efforts but also by broader social and economic factors. This understanding is what defines a truly compassionate and people-centric administrator,” he concluded.

The Defence Minister also recognized the increasing representation of women in Civil Services, noting that in the most recent UPSC examination, a woman achieved the top rank, with three of the top five candidates being female.

He is optimistic that by 2047, many women will ascend to the roles of Cabinet Secretaries and steer India’s development trajectory.