Punjab Governor Makhdum Syed Ahmad Mahmud has said that the bureaucrats are the servant of the people rather than their masters and hence they should implement the virtue of equality, varsity and strive always to provide speedy justice to a common man instead of promoting red tapism.
He expressed these views addressing the probationary officers of the 35th Specialise Training Programme of Pakistan Administrative Services Group on the eve of their passing out ceremony held at Civil Services Academy Lahore on Thursday. "Today, we are living in an era of information; the vibrant and vigilant media has changed the whole scenario so that you must not forget that today, more than ever before in the past, your performance and actions are subject to close public scrutiny. Now-a-days judiciary is enjoying complete freedom and you will be held accountable for all acts of omission and commission. We are witnessing the massive transmission in the concept and style of governance and public service while performance, accountability and good governance are the buzz words.
You will have to remain in step with the changes taking place by continually up grading knowledge and skills," the Governor said. He maintained that the role of the state and bureaucracy has also undergone significant changes from provider of goods and services of that of a catalyst, enabler, regulator and facilitator.
He also emphasised that the civil servants should be civil servants in the true sense of the words and shed habits that inhabit them from being so. He said they must be responsive to public needs and must also burry their prejudices once and forever. "One of the problems which has plagued our country's official system is institutional mismanagement, this should be eradicated and emphasise should be laid on good governance, minting it as the key to prosperity," he added.
He said public service is a challenging duty that needs to be performed with passion and commitment and no doubt, the path is difficult but this path is chosen by the bureaucrats themselves. "This profession and career will be immensely satisfying as well as spiritually rewarding. So it is your duty to ensure that no discrimination takes place and under no circumstances should your personal interest take precedence over national and public interest. Political leadership and the public service work together for elevating the plight of the common man. Both cannot work in separation," he added.
Earlier, Civil Services Academy Director General Khalid Sultan also addressed the officers and highlighted the aims and objective of the training. Later on, the Governor distributed certificates and trophies among the officers who display excellent performance in the training.