In a landmark initiative to reinforce ethical governance in public services, the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS) — the apex training academy of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) — hosted a special session on ethics and core values for over 30 newly promoted Assistant Provident Fund Commissioners (APFCs).

Organized in collaboration with the IC Centre for Governance (ICCfG), the training aimed to cultivate a deep understanding of ethical leadership among the officers, each of whom brings over two decades of service experience to their new roles.

In his address, Shri Kumar Rohit, Director of PDUNASS, emphasized EPFO’s steadfast commitment to institutional values and ethical conduct. He highlighted the organization’s ongoing digital transformation — particularly the shift to a paperless environment through the e-Office platform — as a direct reflection of its focus on transparency, efficiency, and accountability in service delivery.

The sessions were led by senior members of ICCfG, who offered thoughtful perspectives on the principles and practical applications of ethics in governance. Shri Rajiv Sachdeva, a core group member of ICCfG, clearly articulated the distinction between societal norms and ethical action, stating: “Morals are the standards society expects from us, but ethics are the actions we exhibit.”

Adding a motivational perspective, Brigadier Rajendra Kumar inspired the officers to stay grounded in integrity, quoting a powerful Hindi proverb:

“नैतिकिा की नाव तिलिी-डुलिी िै मगर, डूबिी निीं िै। (“The boat of ethics may sway and rock, but it never sinks.”)

Prof. Sunil Kumar invited the officers to reflect deeply on their individual contributions to nation-building and the role of ethical service in the success of the organization. He urged them to carry out their duties with ‘Seva Bhav’ — the spirit of selfless service that lies at the heart of public administration.

The interactive sessions also featured insights from Shri Vinod K. Maurya of ICCfG, and were coordinated by Mr. Ram Anand, Regional PF Commissioner-I, along with his committed team, who played a key role in facilitating this impactful engagement.

This collaboration between PDUNASS and ICCfG underscores a strategic effort to nurture leadership within EPFO that is not only technically skilled but also ethically conscious. The sessions concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among the participants, reinforcing the message that ethical leadership is foundational to building a transparent, accountable, and citizen-first governance framework.

About PDUNASS:

The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS) is the apex training institute of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India. Established in 1990, PDUNASS is dedicated to advancing training, research, and consultancy in the field of social security, with the goal of becoming an international centre of excellence.

About IC Centre for Governance:

The IC Centre for Governance (ICCfG) is an independent, non-governmental think tank focused on promoting the principles of good governance in India. Through training programs, workshops, and policy dialogues, ICCfG engages with civil servants and public sector leaders to foster ethical decision-making, integrity, and citizen-centric service delivery.

www.centreforgovernance.com

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Rini Choudhury

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