Chavan calls for new initiatives to make system more efficient

New Delhi, Feb 20 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Prithviraj Chavan on Saturday called for new initiatives for a more efficient, accountable, responsive and transparent governance in the country.

Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day 12th National Conference of Chairpersons of State Public Service Commissions, here, Chavan said: "If a public servant does not have fire in the belly to make a change, and motivation for public service, he cannot be an agent of change. Dedication and willingness to serve the people is as important as professional competence."

Chavan said the civil services have to attune themselves to the climate of change and help to translate developmental programmes into viable statutes and effective administrative acts.

"They must accept the totality of the Indian heritage and function without any parochial, linguistic, religious, caste or class prejudice. The overall efficiency in the civil services is reflected in the social, economic, and political justice and equality of status and opportunity, which are cherished in the preamble of our Constitution," he said.

"The Public Service Commissions immensely contribute in these noble values by their recommendations to the Government in molding the civil services", Chavan added.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Public Service Commission Chairman D. P. Agrawal said selecting the right person for the right task is the only way to build a strong, prosperous and just nation and it is the job of the Public Service Commissions to make it happen.

"In order to enable us to discharge our constitutional obligations in full measure, it is imperative that we review our methods and procedures to meet the new challenges and adapt ourselves to the new environment of technological advancement", he said.

Agrawal said the Conference has been instrumental in improving the functioning of State PSCs.

"The Conference has provided a platform for brainstorming and discussions on matters relating to methods of recruitment, personnel policies, conduct of examination, etc," he said.

Agrawal lauded the efforts of the Standing Committee of the Conference in bringing out a "Compendium of Best Practices" of the State PSCs, Rules of Procedure, Model Code of Conduct and a compilation of Court judgments that have a bearing on the functions of State PSCs. (ANI)