Public service commissions must aim for equality of outcomes, not just opportunity: President Murmu
The President was speaking after inaugurating the National Conference for the Chairpersons of Public Service Commissions, organised by the Telangana Public Service Commission, in Hyderabad on Friday,
Hyderabad, December 19: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said public service commissions should not only be guided by the principle of equality of opportunity but should also strive to achieve equality of outcomes, underscoring their role as key change-agents in promoting equity in public administration.
The President was speaking after inaugurating the National Conference for the Chairpersons of Public Service Commissions, organised by the Telangana Public Service Commission, in Hyderabad.
Referring to the constitutional framework, Murmu said the framers of the Constitution devoted an entire part to services and public service commissions, reflecting the importance attached to their role in governance at both the Union and state levels. She said the Preamble, the fundamental right to equality of opportunity in public employment and the directive principles together provide clear guidance for the functioning of public service commissions.
She emphasised that public service commissions play a critical role in shaping the ‘permanent executive’ that ensures impartiality, continuity and stability in governance. The integrity, sensitivity and competence of civil servants, she said, are essential for effective implementation of people-centric policies.
The President stressed that honesty and integrity must be the highest priority in recruitment processes. While gaps in skills and competencies can be addressed through training and learning interventions, she said lack of integrity can create challenges that are often impossible to overcome.
Murmu also highlighted the need for greater sensitivity towards marginalised and vulnerable sections of society among aspiring civil servants. She said civil servants must be responsive to the needs and aspirations of women, adding that gender sensitisation should receive high priority in the recruitment and selection processes of public service commissions.
Noting that India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy and is moving towards becoming the third largest economy globally, the President said the country requires highly effective governance systems at all levels. She said the goal of achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 would depend significantly on the quality of civil servants selected and guided by public service commissions.
Expressing confidence in the institutions, Murmu said public service commissions would continue to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities and contribute to building a future-ready civil services ecosystem.
