Opinions Do Matter

Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National Postal Academy (RAKNPA) is humbled and delighted at the same time on being accredited as the first Central Training Institute (CTI) to receive a prestigious 5-Star rating from the Capacity Building Commission (CBC).

This was the culmination of a transformative journey which began in June 2023 when the Academy received a 2-Star rating. Recognizing the need for improvement from that start, we aligned our efforts with the vision of Mission Karmayogi, with constant and patient guidance from the CBC team to refine our systems and training methodologies.

The accreditation process was itself a transformative journey for us, illuminating the path across all eight pillars of the National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutions (NSCSTI). We focused on critical areas such as Training Needs Assessment, faculty development, and digitization, which enabled us to standardize procedures and streamline our training processes.

By delegating key administrative and financial powers, we enhanced our institutional efficiency, fostering a more effective training environment. Significant upgrades, including digitally-enabled classrooms, a comprehensive Learning Management System, the Karmayogi Digital Learning Lab, and the Virtual Immersive Learning Lab, have enriched our content creation and training delivery.

Additionally, the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems has allowed us to infuse cultural and ethical perspectives, rooted in India's rich civilizational heritage, into our training environment. The CBC accreditation is not a mere assessment - it has been a journey of continuous improvement. RAKNPA remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing capable, ethical, and future-ready civil servants for our nation.

 Karmayogi Digital Learning Lab

Established on March 06, 2024, an innovative platform dedicated to revolutionizing e-content development.

State of the Art addition towards accomplishing the National Program for Civil Services Capacity Building (Mission Karmayogi)

Capability to record live videos, thereby converting them into eLearning content Designed to empower the Academy to produce high-quality, engaging training material efficiently and effectively.

Developed more than 100 quality courses in English and Hindi like: Post Office Act, 2023, Know Your Ministry - Department of Posts, Profit Centricity in Postal Services

When I first encountered the idea of Mission Karmayogi, it did not strike me as a reform. It felt more like a reminder — that governance is, at its heart, an act of seva. It is not about the pursuit of recognition or reward, but about the quiet satisfaction, the santushti, that comes from doing one's work with sincerity.

At the heart of this Mission lies a transformative truth: that the strength of our administrative system rests not in its rules, but in its people. For me, capacity building is not treated as a box to be ticked, but as a culture to be nurtured. I wanted to build a workplace where learning is as natural as conversation, and as inclusive as a shared lunch table. It is an act of curiosity that connects every role, every reform, to a larger purpose: Jan Seva and Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

"We often seek reward before effort and ask, 'Mujhe kya milega?' Yet the truth remains unchanged — kaam karoge, tab apne aap mil jaayega. The act of doing one's duty with sincerity brings its own reward. Real recognition is not given; it is earned in the quiet pride of contribution and the lasting satisfaction of service."

In my tenure as the Secretary of the Department of Legal Affairs, I successfully concluded Phases I and II of the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Program, through 20 batches, marking a major milestone in its capacity-building journey, and achieving 100% saturation. Every officer, contractual employee, and even our MTS colleagues came together — because no one is too junior to learn, and no one is too senior to listen.

We have learned that progress doesn't always need paperwork and structure alone cannot change culture. At DLA, each week I used to host Chai Pe Charcha, an informal huddle with Group Heads to take stock of ongoing initiatives. It's simple, human, and astonishingly effective. Concerns are voiced openly; ideas are exchanged freely. Hierarchy pauses, and insight steps forward.

Another space that has redefined our internal culture is our monthly Tiffin Baithak, inspired by our Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. What began as an informal lunch gathering with the Law Secretary became a forum for cross-learning and collective problem-solving. Around shared meals, officers discuss challenges, exchange thoughts, and often end up finding solutions that meetings never could.

"In our Department, we wanted learning to feel aspirational, not obligatory. We began recognising officers across all levels for their milestones on the iGOT platform — not through ceremonies, but through personal acknowledgment and conversation. The best part? When an officer, after completing a course, says, 'Madam, ab mujhe samajh mein aaya ki hum kya kar rahe hain' — that sense of connection between their task and the larger purpose of governance — that is where Mission Karmayogi truly begins."

During my tenure, I also made small but meaningful structural changes within the Department premises. The Conference Room has been renamed "Karmayogi Sabhagar"; administrative sections have been renamed under the four Sankalp values of the Hon'ble PM: Ekta, Vikas, Garv and Kartavya. These are not mere signboards, but daily reminders of who we are and why we serve.

I believe capacity building is not a program that begins and ends with a calendar, it is a relay. Each of us runs our lap, carries the baton for a while, and how sincerely we run our lap determines the strength of what we pass on. The baton we hold is not just of responsibility, but of seva bhav.

As we look ahead, our goal remains simple: to make our offices not just functional, but living classrooms of innovation, empathy, and excellence — where knowledge circulates freely, curiosity is encouraged, feedback is welcomed and where santushti defines success as a public servant.

That, to me, is the true meaning of reform:
Not loud change, but lasting change.
Not compliance, but conviction.
Not recognition, but santushti.

Earning the prestigious 5-star "Sarvotkrisht" rating under CBC's National Standards for Accreditation has been nothing short of transformational for NCA-F. CBC's rigorous and comprehensive parameters compelled us to critically examine every dimension of our work—recognizing gaps, strengthening processes, and institutionalizing sustainable interventions and SOPs that have significantly elevated our operational excellence.

The QIP facilitated by CBC was equally invaluable, sharpening our focus and driving measurable improvements across the board. Our greatest takeaway from this journey has been a powerful one: the process itself is as meaningful as the achievement. While we are immensely proud to have earned the highest rating, the experience has also ignited within us a renewed commitment to strive higher, improve continually, and keep raising the bar for ourselves.

 "The process itself is as meaningful as the achievement. While we are immensely proud to have earned the highest rating, the experience has also ignited within us a renewed commitment to strive higher, improve continually, and keep raising the bar for ourselves."

CBC's rigorous and comprehensive parameters compelled us to critically examine every dimension of our work—recognizing gaps, strengthening processes, and institutionalizing sustainable interventions and SOPs that have significantly elevated our operational excellence. The QIP facilitated by CBC was equally invaluable, sharpening our focus and driving measurable improvements across the board.

The National Karmayogi training program completely changed my perspective. Earlier, I saw my work as just a responsibility, but now I see my role as an opportunity to contribute to nation building through my daily duties. This training made me feel proud to be a part of the country's development, and I am committed to sharing this spirit with my colleagues.

This program helped me with self reflection and changed the way I view my work. Earlier, I saw it as a process driven activity, but now I understand it as purpose driven work. Through our daily activities, we are contributing towards nation building.

This training gave me valuable new insights and made me feel excited about my role as a lead trainer under the National Karmayogi initiative. The most important learning for me was understanding that the spirit of service already exists within everyone. It is not something that is absent, it only needs to be awakened. I also feel more connected to how my work and my customers contribute to serving the nation through what they create. This realization has been the biggest takeaway for me.

NLC India Limited, Ministry of Coal

A participant from NLC India Limited shares their commitment to ensuring positive impact on citizens through their actions.