Prioritise Public Service Over Position, Bhatti advice To AIS Officers
Bhatti underscored the importance of staying connected with people at the grassroots.
Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Thursday urged civil servants to see themselves as public servants first and officers later, stating that true recognition comes only when people remember them for their service. He advised All India Services (AIS) officers to work with integrity, take decisions with courage and adopt a humane approach as they step into positions of leadership and responsibility.
Bhatti was speaking at a ceremony hosted by the Dr. MCR Human Resource Development Institute (MCRHRDI) to mark the successful completion of a 10‑week training programme for AIS officers. As many as 203 officers completed the programme. They had entered the academy as professionals from diverse fields — engineering, medicine, economics, law and others — and were now stepping out with a unique status that commanded respect and trust, the Deputy Chief Minister said.
He added that the conclusion of the training should not be seen as an end, but as the beginning of a demanding journey that would test their wisdom, discretion and sense of responsibility. The officers would soon face complex administrative challenges, frequent transfers, sensitive files and issues directly affecting citizens’ lives, he said. Even a single careless decision in public service could have long‑term repercussions, he cautioned, stressing the need for constant alertness and commitment.
Describing governance as a field marked by pressure and uncertainty, Bhatti said civil servants would encounter both appreciation and criticism. What mattered, he said, was the conviction that their actions were guided by public interest. Today’s citizens are better informed, more questioning and less patient, making it essential for officers to continuously update their knowledge, unlearn outdated practices when necessary and adapt to changing social realities, he observed.
The Deputy Chief Minister underscored the importance of staying connected with people at the grassroots. Officers should meet citizens with respect, listen patiently and remain accessible, he said, adding that time spent with the public was not a distraction from work but the very essence of governance. While acknowledging the necessity of administrative processes and office work, Bhatti remarked that no amount of file work could replace empathy and human connection in effective public service.
