Legacy of Over 275 Years
Welcoming the trainees, the Vice-President expressed pride in the Defence Accounts Department’s long and distinguished legacy of more than 275 years, describing it as one of the oldest and most institutionally significant departments of the Government of India.
He noted that the Indian Defence Accounts Service plays a unique and critical role in safeguarding national security by managing the financial resources of the Armed Forces and allied organisations. As the principal accounting and financial authority of the defence establishment, IDAS officers shoulder responsibilities that directly impact military readiness and efficiency.
Linking the responsibilities of young officers to India’s long-term national vision, Shri Radhakrishnan said that civil servants will be at the forefront of translating the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 into reality.
Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call during the Amrit Kaal, the Vice-President stressed that development must be inclusive, citizen-centric and focused on last-mile delivery. He urged the trainees to harness their youthful energy, innovation and problem-solving abilities to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
Financial Prudence and Operational Readiness
Highlighting the strategic importance of the IDAS cadre, the Vice-President emphasised that sound financial governance is essential for maintaining the operational readiness of the Armed Forces.
He said IDAS officers must develop a deep understanding of the challenges faced by soldiers and commanders on the ground, and align financial processes with operational realities. Efficient allocation and utilisation of resources, he observed, directly translate into enhanced defence preparedness.
Integrity, Vigilance and Accountability
Stressing the ethical dimension of public finance, Shri Radhakrishnan reminded the officers that public funds represent the hard-earned money of taxpayers and must be handled with utmost care.
He called upon them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, vigilance and accountability in all financial decision-making. Any compromise on ethics, he cautioned, not only erodes public trust but also weakens institutional credibility.
Continuous Learning in a Changing World
The Vice-President also highlighted the need for continuous capacity building in an era marked by rapid technological and scientific change.
Encouraging lifelong learning, he urged officers to actively utilise digital platforms such as iGOT Karmayogi to upgrade their skills, remain current with emerging trends, and adapt to evolving administrative and technological challenges.
Knowledge with Character
Reflecting on the values of public service, Shri Radhakrishnan said that while professional knowledge and technical expertise are essential, character remains paramount.
He reminded the trainees that among India’s 140 crore citizens, they have been entrusted with a rare opportunity to bring about positive change. This responsibility, he said, must be exercised with humility, empathy and unwavering dedication to the public good.
Expectations from Young Civil Servants
Responding to a question from an officer trainee on the expectations from civil servants in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation, the Vice-President urged them to remain innovative and open to modern technologies.
He advised the officers to be enthusiastic in their work, empathetic in their interactions with stakeholders, and uncompromisingly ethical in administration, asserting that these qualities together define effective and people-oriented governance.