The Vice-President urged probationers to serve with integrity and responsibility while safeguarding defence assets and advised them on technology usage, continuous learning, and ethical conduct.
On September 30, 2026, the Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed probationers of the Indian Defence Estates Service (2025 Batch) at Uprashtrapati Bhavan. He emphasized the importance of dedication, integrity, and public responsibility in serving the nation. Recognizing that many of them come from smaller towns, he urged them to take pride in their achievement while remaining conscious of the responsibility entrusted to them as public servants. The Defence Estates Organisation, with a mandate to manage nearly 18 lakh acres of defence land across the country, was highlighted as a vital entity responsible for safeguarding national assets, providing civic amenities, facilitating defence infrastructure, and supporting the operational readiness of the Armed Forces. The Vice-President appreciated the Organisation’s steps towards digital governance, particularly the e-Chhawani initiative, which has strengthened smart governance and integrated public service delivery in cantonments. He also emphasized the potential of emerging technologies, such as AI, GIS, drone surveys, satellite imagery, automated change detection, and 3-D visualisation, to enhance accuracy, transparency, and efficiency of defence land management. Stressing that technology should strengthen accountability, not replace it, he urged probationers to remain firm in discharging their duties. He also called upon them to continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills, citing the rapidly changing technological and scientific landscape as a reason. Quoting a Tamil poet and philosopher, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said that learning acquires true meaning only when it is reflected in conduct. He stressed the importance of character, kindness, integrity, and ethical conduct, complementing knowledge of laws, procedures, and governance frameworks. He also advised the young officers to obey their seniors while remaining independent of undue pressure and to ensure timely disposal of files. The Vice-President emphasized the crucial role of civil servants in realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, particularly by ensuring inclusive development and taking governance to the last mile. He urged the probationers to give their best in every responsibility entrusted to them.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
