The Centre is the engine for every government and there needs to be equal treatment of all states. We have to be Team India and have to incorporate differences that are part of Team India, KM Chandrasekhar, former Union Cabinet Secretary in the UPA Government said recently.
He was speaking at a session on ‘Reflections on Governance’ based on his memoir, “As Good as My Word,” which dwells in detail on his experiments in public administration, his experiences as India’s ambassador to the World Trade Organization, his working relationship with the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, his run-ins with some notable ministers of the time, and his reflections on Indian democracy, economy, and defence.
The ex-administrator said that the civil service gives lots of opportunities in diverse areas and the wide range of functions performed is unparalleled.
He also added that whatever he achieved has been because of teamwork. He further added that officers need to take risks and have courage to achieve results as the cost of delays is very high.
He also remarked that officers have to work in a result-oriented manner rather than just being process- oriented. He said, “I totally worship the Constitution and Democracy.”
Also present on the occasion was Amitabh Kant, ex CEO NITI Aayog and currently G20 Sherpa, who said that he has learned to Think Big, Think multi Disciplinary and also to take risks in his career.
