ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE OCCASION CALL ON BY STATE CIVIL SERVICES OFFICERS ATTENDING THE 128TH INDUCTION TRAINING PROGRAMME AT LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION

Dear officers of Indian Administrative Service,

Your induction into the Indian Administrative Service marks an important milestone in your career. This promotion is not just a change in designation. With this promotion, you have stepped into a much wider arena of governance, one that demands a national outlook, deeper foresight, and an unwavering commitment to the values that uphold public service in our country.

Your role is crucial to the nation-building process. You now carry responsibilities that extend far beyond district or state priorities. These greater responsibilities require a perspective that rises above departmental boundaries and dismantles administrative silos. By working in collaboration, you can enhance institutional coherence and strengthen the machinery of governance. Your collective professionalism, coordination, and commitment are essential to driving development outcomes and upholding the highest standards of public service.

I am sure your induction training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration has helped re-orient and broaden your perspectives. This training must have strengthened your ability to think beyond administrative boundaries, to understand India in its vastness and diversity, and to analyse governance issues with a holistic approach.

As members of the state civil services for nearly two decades, each of you has played a critical role in advancing development at the grassroots. You have the experience of working closely with communities, understanding their challenges, and resolving their issues. But with this new role, the scope of your work widens considerably. You are no longer administrators of a particular region; you are the custodians of governance standards that must be upheld across the nation. Every decision you make should resonate with the overall vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Dear officers,

Long years in service have equipped you with insights into ground realities, and a deep understanding of administrative machinery. As IAS officers, you will be expected to implement policies effectively to fulfil the needs and aspirations of people. Let your valuable experience and the spirit of ‘Nation First’ be your guiding compass as you take on more complex challenges.

You all are expected to contribute to inclusive development. India’s transformation into a developed nation will be meaningful only when the benefits reach the most vulnerable and deprived sections. You should make untiring efforts to ensure that no community is left behind due to geographical, social, or economic reasons.

Another important area that demands your commitment is sustainability and climate resilience. As senior administrators, you must champion green practices, promote climate-adaptive governance, and ensure sustainable development. Our collective actions today will determine the quality of life of future generations.

Dear officers,

Technology and innovation are transforming governance at unprecedented speed. I urge you to fully embrace technological advancements—AI-driven solutions, e-governance platforms, digital grievance mechanisms, and real-time analytics. These tools can simplify administrative systems and ensure more efficient service delivery to the last mile. But while you adopt modern systems, remember that technology should be combined with human sensitivity and reasoned judgment.

You should carry out your duties with unwavering integrity, complete transparency, and an unrelenting sense of accountability. These are the principles that define true public service and uphold the trust the nation places in you. You should always exercise authority with empathy and fairness.

Finally, I want to remind you to take care of your own physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Administrative roles can be demanding, and your ability to stay balanced and healthy will determine how effectively you can serve.

I extend my best wishes to all of you. May your dedication, wisdom, and compassion help shape a stronger, and more inclusive Bharat. The nation looks up to you with great hope. I am confident that each one of you will rise to the occasion with distinction.

Thank you!
Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!