SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has appealed to civil servants to put aside differences and cooperate for better governance in the interest of the people. Speaking at a programme organised here on Thursday to mark the 10th Civil Services Day under the theme, “Civil Service: The Flag Bearer of Continuity and Change in Governance”, the Chief Minister also assured that senior officers will be protected from becoming victims of political pressure.
The Chief Minister observed that there are challenges on the ground vis-à-vis the aspirations and expectations of people even as he pointed out that political leaders and civil servants work in unison.
“Political leaders and civil servants are inseparable. The responsibilities we share together are crucial in enabling positive outcome.”
At the same breath he added, “There are times when we are confronted with unreasonable demands from the political leadership asking for things which should not be done, resulting in minor conflicts between the political leaders and civil servants.”
He also expressed concern that some civil servants become victims of pressures from political leadership.
“It is a painful situation for the Government to take punitive actions,” he said while assuring that officers will be protected from such pressures and from becoming victims of circumstances.
Pointing towards the growing demands of the population, he called upon the civil servants to respond to such issues on priority basis. The Chief Minister said that civil servants will have to be equipped to deal with the changing times as they face on a daily basis, an “assertive, demanding and vigilant citizen”.
Speaking about the overburden of the civil servants, he called for cooperation of the seniors and juniors both in the ranks of All India Services and the State Services.
“Officers are overburdened and this calls for building a team backed by junior officers to ensure that efficiency is continued.”
Sangma also called upon the officers to appreciate the moments spent with people from different walks of life and to do justice in their service.
