Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh has called for continuous learning and adaptation among civil servants as emerging technologies increasingly reshape governance and administrative systems.
Addressing participants of a 15-day refresher programme for Joint Secretaries, Directors and Deputy Secretaries appointed through lateral entry, the Minister said technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, cybersecurity and digital platforms are rapidly changing the way governments function.
Continuous Learning Essential for Modern Governance
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the evolving administrative environment demands that government officers remain curious, flexible and committed to upgrading their professional capabilities. He emphasised that knowledge acquired at one stage of a career may not be sufficient to address the challenges emerging from rapid technological and institutional change.
He described the refresher programme as an opportunity for meaningful interaction rather than a conventional lecture-based exercise. Since the participants bring considerable professional experience to public administration, he encouraged them to actively participate in discussions, share their perspectives and communicate their specific learning requirements.
According to the Minister, such dialogue can help make training programmes more relevant to the changing needs of governance.
Technology and Constitutional Responsibility
Highlighting the growing influence of AI, quantum technologies, cybersecurity and digital tools, Dr. Jitendra Singh said civil servants have an important responsibility to understand and appropriately deploy these technologies in the implementation of flagship government programmes.
At the same time, he stressed that technological adoption must remain aligned with constitutional responsibilities and preserve the institutional integrity of government. The government, he said, has also been working towards improving both the ease of implementation and ease of monitoring of public programmes.
The refresher course covers a wide range of subjects, including policy analysis, digital transformation, municipal finance, public health, cybersecurity, education and government communication.
Communication a Key Governance Skill
The Minister underlined the growing importance of communication for public officials. He suggested that government communication should increasingly be viewed as public communication, considering the expanding responsibilities of officers in engaging with citizens and other stakeholders.
He identified four major levels of communication for civil servants: interaction with government officials and colleagues, political functionaries, the media and the general public.
With social media and other digital platforms transforming the communication landscape, officers need to develop the ability to convey policies and decisions clearly to diverse audiences, he said.
Lateral Entry Bringing Fresh Perspectives
Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted the importance of institutionalising mechanisms that allow fresh talent, ideas and work practices to enter public administration from different sectors. He said around 63 officers have so far joined government through the lateral-entry mechanism.
He described the 15-day refresher programme as a mid-career learning opportunity designed to support officers as they progress through their professional responsibilities.
The Minister also stressed the need to broaden the reach of institutions such as the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and strengthen coordination with other organisations working in related areas. Such programmes, he noted, can benefit officials from Central and State Governments, public institutions and elected bodies, while courses are also being developed for corporate and private-sector participants.
Feedback to Strengthen Training
Emphasising the role of feedback, Dr. Jitendra Singh urged participants to openly suggest improvements to the course curriculum, faculty and learning methods. He proposed mechanisms for obtaining candid and anonymous feedback to help institutions identify shortcomings and continuously improve training programmes.
He described the participating officers as important architects of the India@47 vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged them to approach the programme with an open and learning-oriented mindset.
The Minister said that as governance continues to evolve alongside technology and changing public expectations, continuous professional development, dialogue and adaptability will remain essential to building an efficient, responsive and future-ready public administration.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
