New Delhi, Dec 14: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the importance of scrutiny, expression, and dialogue as essential pillars for democracy to thrive, while addressing the 50th Foundation Day program of the Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS) in New Delhi.
The Role of Scrutiny in Progress
Dhankhar underscored the significance of self-audit and external audit in preventing degeneration of institutions and individuals. “Audit, self-audit is very important. The surest way to bring about degeneration of an individual or an institution is to keep it beyond scrutiny,” he remarked, stressing the need for accountability.
Amid criticism from opposition parties over his role as Rajya Sabha chairman, Dhankhar faced a no-confidence notice signed by 60 MPs from Congress and other parties. This move marks the first such occurrence in India’s history.
Expression and Dialogue: Pillars of Democracy
Dhankhar identified the erosion of meaningful dialogue and authentic expression as major challenges to institutions. “Expression and communication complement each other. Harmony between the two is the key to success,” he said, adding that democracy flourishes when it is anchored in core values and a balance between dialogue and expression.
He further stated that democratic health is inseparable from economic productivity, emphasizing that diversity and the country’s demographic potential are key drivers of progress.
Call for Tech-Savvy Civil Servants
Speaking on the cusp of a new industrial revolution driven by digital technologies, Dhankhar urged civil servants to adapt to rapid changes and focus on bridging the digital divide. “Modern civil servants must be tech-savvy, facilitators of change, transcending traditional administrative boundaries,” he said.
Dhankhar highlighted the need for innovative financing models for rural technology adoption and called for leveraging India’s large youth population through skill development and digital entrepreneurship.
Vision for 2047
The Vice President urged civil servants to take on greater responsibility in nation-building as India envisions becoming a developed nation by 2047. “Your roles as administrators, financial advisors, regulators, and auditors must evolve to meet tomorrow’s challenges,” he asserted.
Ego and Leadership
Reflecting on the importance of humility in leadership, Dhankhar cautioned against the dangers of ego. “The ego serves no one but damages most the person who possesses it,” he noted, advising individuals to work towards controlling their egos for personal and professional growth.
Nation Building Through Service Delivery
Dhankhar emphasized the importance of transforming service delivery through modern solutions and adapting foundational values to meet new challenges. “Service remains our cornerstone. Your digital initiatives must harness young talent to script and realize the vision of a developed nation,” he concluded.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, who was also present at the event, lauded the Vice President’s insights, aligning with the government’s broader agenda of fostering technological and societal progress.
