He reminded trainees that the nation’s development journey hinges on last-mile delivery and inclusive governance, and emphasised that civil servants form the backbone of India’s administrative transformation. The Vice-President highlighted that the country is in a crucial decade, driven by reforms, technology adoption and citizen-centric governance.
NACIN’s Growing Importance in India’s Tax Administration
Recalling the inauguration of NACIN’s modern campus by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024, the Vice-President said the academy has rapidly emerged as a premier centre for strengthening Customs and GST administration. He commended NACIN for its role in creating capable officers equipped to navigate complex taxation frameworks.
The Vice-President also recognised the significance of the UPSC, which completes 100 years in 2026, calling it the “guardian of merit, integrity and fairness” in the process of selecting India’s civil servants.
GST A Landmark Reform in India’s Tax Structure
Highlighting reforms that have shaped India’s economic trajectory, the Vice-President described the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a transformational reform that unified and simplified the country’s indirect tax system. He said GST has enhanced transparency, reduced logistical barriers and improved tax compliance.
He also issued a strong message on tax enforcement, stressing that tax evaders must be curbed and punished. Laws, he stated, exist for society’s progress and must be enforced fairly and effectively. He reminded trainees that the responsibility to uphold the rule of law lies primarily with administrators.
Sardar Patel’s Legacy and the Civil Service Ethos
The Vice-President highlighted the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, hailed as the “Father of the All-India Services”. He said Sardar Patel’s vision laid the foundations of a strong administrative structure capable of unifying a diverse nation and steering it towards growth and stability.
He emphasised that Patel’s ideals should guide the new generation of civil servants as they carry forward his legacy of national integration, discipline and public service.
Inclusive Development and Balanced Growth
In his address, the Vice-President stressed the importance of balancing wealth creation and wealth distribution. He said sustainable progress comes when economic growth benefits all sections of society. He underlined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised inclusive development as central to India’s national priorities.
‘Team Excellence’ Over ‘Individual Excellence’
Encouraging the trainees, the Vice-President insisted that institutions and nations are built through collective effort. He urged them to focus on team excellence rather than merely individual achievements, noting that the impact of governance strengthens when officers work collaboratively across departments and sectors.
Preparing for a Technology-Driven Future
Acknowledging the rapidly changing global landscape, the Vice-President encouraged officers to continuously upgrade their skills. He recommended adopting emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, and Natural Language Processing to boost transparency, efficiency and governance outcomes.
He praised the iGOT Karmayogi platform as an “excellent tool” that enables capacity-building anytime and anywhere, allowing civil servants to learn at their own pace and stay aligned with evolving administrative demands.
“With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility”
The Vice-President concluded by acknowledging the exceptional hard work of the probationers. He pointed out that out of nearly 12 lakh aspirants who appear for the UPSC exam each year, only about 1,000 are selected—placing huge responsibility on their shoulders.
He reminded them that among 140 crore citizens, they now hold a rare opportunity to shape India’s future. “With great power comes great responsibility,” he said, urging them to be exemplary custodians of public trust.
The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Minister Shri Nara Lokesh, Secretary to the Vice-President Shri Amit Khare, NACIN Director-General Dr. Subramanyam, and several other dignitaries.
