Significance of Meaningful Dialogue: A Treasure of Democracy, Says Jagdeep Dhankhar
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New Delhi, Dec 14 (NationPress) In a subtle allusion to the lost business hours in Parliament, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stated on Saturday that democratic health and economic productivity are interlinked, referring to meaningful dialogue as a priceless jewel of democracy.
In his address as Chief Guest at the 50th Foundation Day Programme of the Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS), he remarked, "Today’s institutional challenges both internally and externally often arise from the degradation of meaningful dialogue and genuine expression."
"Both the outpouring of expression and meaningful dialogue are priceless jewels of democracy. Expression and communication enhance one another. The harmony between the two is the key to triumph," said Vice President Dhankhar, a day after engaging in a contentious verbal exchange with Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge regarding a no-trust motion initiated against him by the opposition parties.
Reflecting on the loss of business hours in the Rajya Sabha due to conflicts, he commented, "We must acknowledge that democratic health and economic productivity are inseparable partners in the journey of national development."
Speaking to the civil servants, Vice President Dhankhar stated, "Our roles as administrators, financial advisors, regulators, and auditors must adapt to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This necessitates a transformation in service delivery from conventional methods to advanced solutions."
"We stand on the brink of yet another industrial revolution. Our services must become more dynamic, adjusting to swift technological advancements while preserving foundational integrity," he added.
Stressing the importance of self-improvement, he asserted that the surest way to lead to the decline of an individual or institution is to keep it or the person away from scrutiny.
"Friends, audit and self-audit are crucial... If you are beyond scrutiny, your decline is certain. Therefore, self-audit and external audits are vital," he emphasized.
He also underscored the significance of technology, stating, "Modern civil servants must be tech-savvy and facilitators of change, breaking traditional administrative confines. Service remains our cornerstone. Your roles as administrators, financial advisors, regulators, and auditors must evolve to address the challenges of tomorrow. This evolution requires transforming service delivery from conventional methods to cutting-edge solutions."
The Vice President urged government officials to address the digital divide.
"Focus on bridging the digital divide through innovative financing models for rural technology adoption. I’m pleased to see this is a priority with the Minister. With the world’s largest youth population, which we refer to as the demographic dividend that everyone envies, India’s demographic dividend presents unparalleled opportunities. Your digital initiatives should leverage this young talent pool through skill development and digital entrepreneurship," he concluded.
