Dehradun: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan hoisted the national flag at the Secretariat premises on Monday on the occasion of Republic Day and extended his greetings and best wishes to all the people of the state and the officers and employees present at the Secretariat. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary said that we are all gathered here on a very glorious and sacred occasion in the democratic history of India. This day is not just a formal date, but a symbol of the great resolve, struggle, and vision that enabled India to establish itself as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. He said that on this day, January 26, 1950, India adopted its Constitution and declared that the ultimate source of power in this country would be its people. This was the moment when, after centuries of subjugation, India attained not only political independence but also constitutional self-governance.
The Constitution has made us aware of our rights as well as our duties
The Chief Secretary said that our Constitution is not merely a compilation of laws, but a mirror of India’s soul, consciousness, and character. This Constitution, drafted under the leadership of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, connects us to the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Constitution has given us rights, but even more importantly, it has made us aware of our duties.
Every government employee is a servant of the people
The Chief Secretary said that we must remember that we are not merely performing government duties, but we are servants of the people. Every file, every policy, and every decision we make directly or indirectly affects the life of a citizen. Therefore, sensitivity, transparency, and accountability in administration should not be mere words, but our conduct. Uttarakhand is not just a geographical entity, but a product of struggle, sacrifice, and dreams. It is the result of the dreams cherished in the eyes of those mothers who sent their children to participate in the movement. It is the fruit of the sacrifices of those young people who struggled for a better future. The Secretariat is the heartbeat of the state’s policy; it is from here that the message of governance reaches the last person.
The Chief Secretary said that the year 2026 is extremely important for Uttarakhand, which has completed twenty-five years of statehood. This is the innovative phase after the silver jubilee, where we have to learn from the past and strengthen the foundation of the future even more. The Uttarakhand Secretariat is the heartbeat of the state’s policy. It is here that plans are born, it is here that the direction of development is determined, and it is from here that the message of governance reaches the last person. Expressing confidence in his system, he said that all the officers and employees of the Secretariat are continuously contributing to taking the state to new heights with their dedication, hard work, and commitment to duty. Whether you are involved in policy making, financial management, administrative tasks, or support services—every role is equally important. He said that today’s era is not just about announcing schemes, but about results. Citizens don’t ask whether a scheme has been made or not; they want to know what changes have come into their lives.
Discipline, punctuality, respect for citizens, and ethical conduct should become our identity.
The Chief Secretary said that the Uttarakhand government has done remarkable work in the last few years in the direction of e-governance, expansion of digital services, transparent recruitment processes, timely delivery of welfare schemes, and administrative reforms. However, we must accept that good governance is a continuous process that requires constant self-reflection. He said that no government can succeed without its employees. Every employee of the Secretariat—whether officer or assistant—is an essential part of the state’s administrative machinery. I assure you that the government is committed to your capacity building, welfare, and work-life balance. At the same time, I expect from you that discipline, punctuality, respect for citizens, and ethical conduct become our identity.
The resolution of Developed India @2047 is not only the resolution of the central government, but a shared resolution of every state and every employee.
The Chief Secretary said that India is the youngest country in the world today, and Uttarakhand is also full of this energy. If the energy of the youth is channeled in the right direction, it can make even the impossible possible. Today, technology in administration is not just an aid, but an indispensable tool. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, and online platforms are making governance faster, more accurate, and more transparent. We should not fear technology, but rather integrate it with human values. India is moving forward with confidence on the global stage. The resolve for a developed India by 2047 is not just the resolve of the central government, but a shared resolve of every state and every employee.
Resolution: We will leave no stone unturned in making Uttarakhand an ideal state.
The Chief Secretary said that Republic Day reminds us that we are free because our ancestors fulfilled their duties. We are safe because our soldiers are standing guard at the borders. And governance is functioning because all of you are honestly fulfilling your responsibilities. On this Republic Day, let us resolve that we will uphold the sanctity of the Constitution, consider public service as our highest duty, and leave no stone unturned in making Uttarakhand an ideal state.
