A commitment to professional excellence, transparency and accountability in functioning, leadership by example and the importance of being responsive to the needs of the people and the requirements of the nation - these were the issues that Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, raised during his interaction with Secretaries to the Government of India, here today.

The Prime Minister said, "The civil service should be accountable, effective and transparent in its functioning. It should be proactive and produce results". He stressed the importance of a "fair, just and equitable" system of governance. He advised the secretaries to feel free to meet him directly whenever they wished to draw his attention to important matters of policy.

Urging senior officials to work without fear or favour, Dr. Singh said, "You will naturally be advising your Minister in matters of policy formulation. You should record your views and offer your suggestions in policy making in the best interests of the country and in accordance with highest standards of professional integrity and excellence. Whenever you feel that certain issues need to be discussed further and certain matters need to be brought to my notice, you are free to see me. I have instructed my office that your requests in this regard should be given priority".

Dr. Manmohan Singh said he expects each Secretary to apply his mind to the problems of his sector, identify the relevant policy framework, the appropriate regulatory mechanism and the required legislative measures. The Prime Minister said, "The initiatives will have to come from you. You will have my full support. We need to move from expenditures to outcomes".

The key issues of governance touched by the Prime Minister were: (a) improving the quality of public sector management and core sector performance (including power, coal, ports & shipping, roads, telecom and railways); (b) making social sector spending and delivery more effective (especially in health and education); (c) fostering a 'second green revolution" in agriculture; (d) ensuring that growth generates employment opportunities; (e) internal security concerns are addressed sensitively yet effectively (especially in Jammu and Kashmir, North-Eastern States and in regions affected by Naxalite activity); and administration is made more efficient, effective, transparent and responsive in addressing the needs and expectations of the people. The Prime Minister also asked the Secretaries to respond especially to his suggestions on improving institutions and mechanisms for the delivery of public services. He said that after receiving their specific suggestions he would interact with them in smaller groups.