29. Administration for Public Good

AT THE OUTSET, I would like to take this opportunity to pay my homage to the memory of late Shri Harish Chandra Mathur whose name this Institute now bears. This is the most befitting memorial to Shri Mathur. He was a distinguished leader with great administrative acumen which he put to use for the welfare of the people. With his insight into the problems of development and his deep and abiding concern for the poor and the down­trodden, he had some valuable ideas on the question of adminis­trative set-up for the country. The rich and varied experience of Shri Mathur in the field of public administration was widely drawn upon by the Government. Frequently, his services were sought on Committees and Commissions. The most important of these was the Administrative Reforms Commission. Shri Mathur con­tributed significantly to the work of the Commission. I hope that the association of his name with the Institute would inspire the trainees to keep the ideal of service of the people before them.

I am glad to find that you propose to discuss the personnel problem and policies in the context of the state administration. In a sense, the problems of State administration are qualitatively different from those of the Central Government. By its very nature, the state administration is more closely associated with the common masses of this huge country and as a result reflects their hopes and aspirations, their frustrations and elation much more effectively. It is also more responsive to the day to day needs of the people. And this is as it should be. In a way, the problems of the central administrative set-up are somewhat different. Though complex and important, the Central administra­tion is somewhat removed from the masses for whose welfare it has to function purposefully. This aspect has to be carefully borne in mind by those concerned with decision-making at the central level. I am glad you have chosen for your discussion an important field in which so much needs to be done. I am sure other State Governments will follow your lead. There is a great deal to learn by this free and frank exchange of views among senior administrators who man a variety of posts in the state administration. I am also happy to find that you are associating with your deliberations distinguished persons from the academic field as also those from Central Government.