Character, Integrity, Ethics Must Guide Public Service: VP
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan highlights citizen-centric governance, technology and ethical conduct in defence estates administration
- Defence estates administration links national security with citizen-centric governance.
- Nearly 18 lakh acres of defence land are under the Defence Estates Organisation.
- AI, GIS and satellite technology can strengthen defence land management.
- Vice-President stresses character, integrity and accountability in public service.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th Sept: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday interacted with probationers of the 2025 batch of the Indian Defence Estates Service at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, urging them to serve with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of public responsibility.
Radhakrishnan highlighted the important role of the Defence Estates Organisation, which manages nearly 18 lakh acres of defence land across the country. He said its responsibilities include 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 digital governance initiatives, particularly the e-Chhawani platform, and said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, GIS, drone surveys, satellite imagery, automated change detection and 3-D visualisation could improve the accuracy, transparency and efficiency of defence land management.
“Technology should strengthen accountability, not replace it,” Radhakrishnan said, stressing that technological capabilities must be complemented by human responsibility and firmness in decision-making.
He encouraged the probationers to continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills and highlighted iGOT Karmayogi as an important platform for capacity building.
Referring to the teachings of Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, the Vice-President said learning acquires meaning when reflected in conduct. He stressed that knowledge of laws, procedures and governance frameworks must be accompanied by character, kindness, integrity and ethical conduct.
Radhakrishnan also advised the young officers to respect their seniors while remaining independent of undue pressure and to ensure timely disposal of files.
He said civil servants have an important role in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, particularly by ensuring inclusive development and taking governance to the last mile.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and senior officers of the Indian Defence Estates Service were present during the interaction.
