Indian bureaucracy is one of the finest in the world, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasizes integrity and specialization for civil service officers, praising Indian bureaucracy's efficiency and dedication.

Civil services officers should not fall into temptations and must avoid short cuts, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman said here on Friday.

She was speaking at a function organised by the Shankar IAS Academy to felicitate the candidates who emerged successful in the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC’s) civil services examination, 2024, and heaped praise on the Indian bureaucracy. “It is widely networked, and keeps a meticulous record. They [bureaucrats] are aware of the work done by an officer even in the remotest place,” she added.

Unlike other countries, India is frugal and sends only a handful of officers with a Minister for negotiations with foreign governments, she added.

She further said that bureaucrats should have absolute control of their job, be tech savvy and specialise in an area. They are not cut-off from the headquarters, especially now when the Prime Minister interacts with district officials once a month under the Pragati programme.

Ms. Sitharaman further said that officers from Tamil Nadu or those from Tamil Nadu assigned to other States were of “high quality”. “When you belong to that cadre, you have a natural advantage,” she said, urging the young officers to serve the State. 

Former Madras High Court judge S. Vimala said: “You must be prepared to achieve at all times,” she said, adding that bureaucrats should not expect praise for their work, for it is service to the State.