OFFICERS OF CENTRAL POWER ENGINEERING SERVICE AND PROBATIONERS OF INDIAN TRADE SERVICE CALL ON THE PRESIDENT

Officers of Central Power Engineering Service (2018, 2020 and 2021 batches) and probationers of Indian Trade Service (2022 batch) called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (October 5, 2023).

Addressing the officers of Central Power Engineering Service, the President said that one of the indicators of socio-economic progress of a country is energy demand and consumption. Therefore, as India moves ahead to become the 3rd largest economy of the world, demand and consumption of power would certainly increase which would further drive the country’s development.

The President said that energy efficiency and renewable energy are the key pillars for achieving India’s goal of net zero emissions. According to International Energy Agency, energy efficiency is called the “first fuel” in clean energy transitions. It provides some of the quickest and most cost-effective climate change mitigation options. It also reduces energy bills and strengthens energy security. She urged Central Power Engineering Service officers to focus on increasing energy efficiency which would make it easier to achieve the climate change related goals. She said that they might face several challenges in the process of energy transition and grid integration but they must play productive role in adopting holistic approach to address the challenges. She added that the future of the power sector lies in research and innovation be it in energy storage, grid management, or new forms of energy generation. She urged them to give importance to research and development in power sector so that India remains competitive at the global stage.

Addressing the Indian Trade Service officers, the President said that trade forms the backbone of economies. It promotes investment, creates jobs, drives economic growth, and improves standards of living. She stated that India is committed to digital and sustainable trade facilitation and Indian Trade Service officers are going to play key role in trade promotion. They are not just trade regulators but are trade facilitators too.

The President said that their service demands the knowledge of both international relations and nuances of trade operations so that they can bring up new dimensions in trade negotiations and trade policies and provide new impetus to boost India’s trade. They also have a major role in formulating strategies to boost exports from India. She stated that Foreign Trade Policy 2023 is based on principles of ‘trust’ and ‘partnership’ with the exporters. It also focuses on process re-engineering and automation to facilitate ease of doing business for exporters. She urged the Indian Trade Service officers to learn and use the latest tools of trade analytics to understand the emerging international trade scenario. She said that they require holistic outlook as well as specific domain expertise to comprehend and handle global challenges.