New Delhi, Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged senior bureaucrats to strengthen collaboration between government departments, universities and young people to bring fresh ideas and perspectives into policymaking.
He also called for a long-term approach to governance, saying that government policies should address not only current challenges but also the future needs of the country.
PM Modi Holds High-Level Meeting With Secretaries
Prime Minister Modi chaired the third high-level meeting with Secretaries to the Government of India at his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the meeting focused on several key areas, including governance, technology, data management, inter-departmental coordination and strengthening India’s defence industry.
The Prime Minister emphasised that government policies should be designed with a clear long-term vision and should take into account the country’s future requirements.
Greater Engagement With Universities and Youth
PM Modi stressed the importance of stronger interaction between government departments, universities and young people.
He said that greater engagement with young citizens and academic institutions could bring fresh thinking, innovative ideas and new perspectives into policymaking.
The Prime Minister highlighted the potential of connecting the expertise of research institutions and innovations emerging from universities with the government’s administrative and policy framework.
Focus on Artificial Intelligence
The effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was another important issue discussed during the meeting.
PM Modi said technology should be used to make government systems more efficient and effective. At the same time, he stressed that the growing use of AI should not reduce the importance of human judgment.
He emphasised that human understanding, intervention and accountability must remain central to decision-making, even as government departments adopt new technologies.
Data Described as a National Asset
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of data and described it as a national asset.
He called for better utilisation and management of government data to improve policymaking and administration.
PM Modi noted that data collection and management requirements can vary depending on the objective. He therefore stressed the need for systems that can organise and utilise available data more effectively.
Stronger Coordination Between Departments
PM Modi also called for improved coordination among government departments and teams.
He said that when departments work in isolation without adequate coordination, the problem is not simply organisational. It can also reflect differences in mindset and work culture.
The Prime Minister urged officials to develop a stronger sense of ownership and shared responsibility while working towards common national goals.
Lessons From Crisis Management
Highlighting the importance of teamwork, PM Modi referred to the coordination demonstrated by government departments during the COVID-19 pandemic and the West Asia crisis.
He said the level of cooperation shown during major crises should become a regular part of the government’s working culture rather than being limited to emergency situations.
Building Stronger Team Spirit
The Prime Minister also encouraged greater informal interaction among government officials.
He urged senior officers to develop stronger and more comfortable engagement with junior colleagues and promote a culture of teamwork.
He also highlighted the importance of building professional networks among officers from different cadres and departments to improve cooperation and exchange of ideas.
Strengthening India’s Defence Industry
During the meeting, PM Modi also stressed the need to further strengthen India’s defence industry and make it more competitive globally.
He called for the development of new and innovative courses in the defence sector and greater focus on strengthening the industry’s human resources.
The Secretaries attending the meeting also shared their views on the government’s major priorities and the challenges involved in implementing them.
The discussions highlighted the government’s focus on long-term policymaking, technology-driven governance, youth engagement, better coordination and strengthening India’s strategic sectors.
