Build a strong learning culture within government institutions

Dr. T. V. Somnathan, Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, addressed senior officials during Karmayogi Sadhana Saptah and said that building a strong learning culture within government institutions depends fundamentally on leadership. He said that when senior officers engage seriously with learning and lead by example, it shapes the behaviour of the entire organisation. Describing Mission Karmayogi as a national initiative, he said its real impact will be seen when it reaches districts and grassroots levels where citizens directly experience governance. He emphasised that frontline officials must be equipped with the skills, motivation and competencies required to deliver effectively.

Emphasising the importance of continuous learning, Cabinet Secretary said that while career progression in civil services may appear to follow a natural upward path driven by seniority, reaching positions of real responsibility depends increasingly on competence and the ability to deliver. Drawing an analogy, he remarked that while “seniority may act like a force that moves careers upward, it is capability that determines how far one truly rises.” He added that in a rapidly changing world, where knowledge and skills depreciate quickly, continuous learning is essential both for improving governance outcomes and for enabling individuals to realise their full professional potential.

The address was delivered during a special session of Karmayogi Sadhana Saptah held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, with participation from senior officers of the Government of India. The session formed part of the post-lunch programme following thematic discussions on training institutions and quality frameworks, where the Cabinet Secretary shared his perspectives on strengthening capacity building across governance systems.

Earlier in the day, Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor, Government of India, delivered a masterclass on building an adaptive and entrepreneurial state through capacity building. He highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence in governance and emphasised that in an era where change occurs rapidly, governments must develop the capability to learn, adapt and respond effectively. He noted that perfection should not come at the cost of timeliness, and that learning-oriented governance systems are essential for navigating complexity and uncertainty.(updated on 2nd April 2026)