Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday said emerging technologies, including AI, GIS, drone surveys, satellite imagery, automated change detection and 3-D visualisation, can significantly enhance the accuracy, transparency and efficiency of defence land management.
While interacting with probationers of the Indian Defence Estates Service (2025 Batch) at Uprashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital, he highlighted the vital mandate of the Defence Estates Organisation in managing nearly 18 lakh acres of defence land across the country.
He called upon the probationers to make the best use of the opportunity to serve the nation with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of public responsibility. He said officials of the Indian Defence Estates Service have a wide-ranging responsibility, including safeguarding national assets, providing civic amenities, facilitating defence infrastructure and supporting the operational readiness of the Armed Forces, said a press release by the Vice President’s Secretariat.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan interacted with Indian Defence Estates Service probationers (2025 Batch) at Uprashtrapati Bhavan today. He urged them to serve with integrity, firmness and a strong sense of responsibility while safeguarding defence assets and advancing… pic.twitter.com/pE8pfrdZLp
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) September 30, 2026
Technology Must Strengthen Accountability
The Vice President appreciated the Defence Estates Organisation’s initiatives towards digital governance, particularly the e-Chhawani initiative, which has strengthened smart governance and integrated public service delivery in cantonments.
Emphasising that technology must be accompanied by human responsibility, C. P. Radhakrishnan said, “Technology should strengthen accountability, not replace it.” He urged the probationers to remain firm in discharging their duties, observing that while technology may fail, an officer’s sense of responsibility and firmness should not.
Continuous Learning Key to Effective Governance
Referring to the rapidly changing technological and scientific landscape, the Vice President called upon the young officers to continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills. He highlighted iGOT Karmayogi as an important platform for continuous capacity building and encouraged the probationers to remain receptive to new ideas and innovations.
Quoting celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, C. P. Radhakrishnan said learning acquires true meaning when reflected in conduct. He stressed that knowledge of laws, procedures and governance frameworks must be complemented by character, kindness, integrity and ethical conduct. He advised the young officers to respect the guidance of their seniors while remaining independent of undue pressure and ensuring timely disposal of files.
The Vice President said civil servants have a crucial role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, 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, stressing that sincere service to the people is the true measure of public service.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and senior officers of the Indian Defence Estates Service were present on the occasion.
-PIB inputs
