ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT DROUPADI MURMU ON THE OCCASION OF CALL ON BY THE OFFICER TRAINEES OF 31 ST BATCH OF PROBATIONERS TRAINING COURSE AT THE ARUN JAITLEY NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

It gives me immense pleasure to interact with you all today. I would like to congratulate you for your success in the civil services examination. It goes without saying that you have been selected in these prestigious services through your sheer determination, perseverance, and smart work.

Some of you have just shared your training experiences here. It is a matter of delight to know that apart from having a sound knowledge of your domain of finance and accounts, you have got a passion to perform and contribute your best for the progress of the country and the citizens. In addition, I am sure that your stint at the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management has enhanced the spirit of camaraderie among the three different accounts services which will help you in implementing new accounting paradigms in the future.

Dear young officers,

It is a well-known fact that a good public financial management system is the very basis of good governance. The organized financial services that you represent have the onus to build and maintain a financial management system that helps in carrying out efficient functioning of the government. Therefore, your role in administration is of immense importance as you have to ensure propriety and prudence in governance. You have to shoulder this responsibility with utmost sincerity by acquiring and utilizing your abilities.

Dear officer trainees,

You have joined at a time when the country is undergoing digital transformation. There is a rising expectation among the public for greater efficiency in service delivery, while ushering in transparency and accountability. To address these concerns, it is imperative for the government departments to make the best use of technology and make the governance system citizen-centric, efficient, and transparent. The visionary steps of the government such as Direct Benefit Transfer, Real time monitoring of funds through PFMS, introduction of e-bills and updation and simplification of financial rules and procedures have given a boost to efficient functioning of the government. Your job is not only limited to the maximization of the utility of financial resources but also includes analysing the impact of policy changes and proposing reforms to improve the various systems of governance including the financial management systems. You must keep pace with the world of ever-changing and advancing technology to undertake these tasks. Your efforts and endeavours should be to devise mechanisms to use the latest technology and make our accounting and auditing systems seamless. I am happy to know that your training module includes courses on data analysis and decision tools, use of ICT in government and sustainable development among others which will be useful in taking a comprehensive view of the governance requirements of the country.

Dear young officers,

You are also expected to act as financial advisors and auditors of the government departments and organisations. Today, in every part of the world, countries and institutions are developing integrated financial management information systems in the delivery of public services and are setting up new standards in accounting, auditing, and budgeting. You must keep yourselves abreast with the best global practices in these subjects and derive the best benefits applicable to the Indian context from them. You should ensure that the process of learning and innovating continues throughout your lives not just for your own development but for the larger good.

I am sure that probationary officers present here will not only excel in their individual careers, but also contribute to the inclusive development of the country by ensuring an effective, fair and accountable governance system. I extend my best wishes to each of you for a fruitful career and bright future.

Thank you! 
Jai Hind! 
Jai Bharat!