Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday emphasized that the voice of the people must form the soul of government policy. Policies, he said, can no longer be drafted solely in offices; they must be shaped on the ground by incorporating citizens’ suggestions.
Addressing a function to felicitate the winners of the Centre for Innovations in Public Systems (CIPS) awards, Sinha congratulated all recipients, describing the awards as a recognition of transformative initiatives that drive social and economic progress while inspiring others to become agents of change.
He lauded the courage and dedication of awardees in sectors such as health, education, information technology, and rural development, noting their significant impact on improving the lives of many.
“Civil servants, engineers, doctors, scientists, and technocrats are the backbone of administration. Their impartiality, honesty, efficiency, and fearlessness are invaluable assets. I am proud of the team that has worked selflessly to serve people and contribute to nation-building,” he said.
Sinha highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership as the driving force behind innovative governance initiatives and a government more attuned to citizens’ needs. He said the PM’s mantra of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” has enhanced ease of living and ensured seamless delivery of public services.
“Today, India is not only the world’s fastest-growing economy, but its future is bright among the largest economies. A favourable environment has been created for sustained economic growth,” he added.
The LG urged officials to focus on improving policy performance, managing complex challenges, and addressing disruptive changes in an unpredictable future.
“A file is more than just paper; it represents the lives and futures of thousands. Every action should improve citizens’ lives. Governance must be responsible and responsive,” Sinha stressed.
Highlighting the role of technology, he said, “In the age of Artificial Intelligence, change is the only constant. Decisions must consider growth and welfare across all sectors.” He noted the transformation in government-to-citizen and government-to-business services in Jammu and Kashmir and emphasized that AI will enable better public policies, improved decision-making, greater citizen engagement, and faster, higher-quality service delivery.
Sinha called on bureaucrats and technocrats to develop innovative tools, address complex challenges, and drive societal transformation through technology. He also recommended adopting the Akshaya Patra Foundation model to enhance mid-day meal programmes in schools and urged a strong focus on agriculture, including transferring technology from labs to fields and addressing climate-related challenges for farmers.
