A group of 21 officer trainees of Central Engineering Service (Civil) and Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service of 2014 batch called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (May 22, 2015) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Addressing the officer trainees, the President said that the Government has set a deadline for providing a roof to everyone in India by 2022. This ambitious infrastructure development programme provides enormous growth opportunity for CPWD. The principle challenge they will face is how to deliver top quality built environment in the shortest possible time and at the lowest cost. This calls for both technical and managerial leadership. They, as young officers and Engineers must focus particularly on those areas where innovation and modernization are required. With increased competition, CPWD must gear itself to improve efficiency in the delivery of service. They must build infrastructure which is environmentally sensitive, technically sound, economical, energy efficient and sustainable. He urged officers and Engineers to deliver not only with efficiency but also due diligence.

The President said that in the present context of global warming and climate change, Green Construction and Energy Conservation are very crucial. The focus, therefore, should be on reuse, recycling and use of renewable resources. Officers and Engineers must be committed to work for sustainable development by creating energy-efficient and sustainable habitats that aim to meet human needs while preserving the environment. He expressed happiness that CPWD has decided to address the energy security challenge and accordingly, Solar Roof Top Panels are being installed on all Central Government Buildings being constructed and maintained by CPWD.

The President said that in any governance system, the quality of public service is of utmost importance. The officers and Engineers must not only have the required skills and knowledge but also values, which include integrity and commitment to public service. There should be emphasis on character and probity in public life. He was sure that as bright young officers they would rise to the occasion and conform to the high standards of faith and trust reposed in them. He called upon officers and Engineers to strive for professional excellence, greater transparency and high ethical standards so that they are recognized as an efficient and helpful service organization manned by proficient functionaries.

The President said Innovation and modernization will be the key to survival for Engineering organizations in today’s continually changing environment. He advised officers and Engineers to be proactive and open to new technology and best practices. He said he was confident that their professional training, will impart them with the skill sets necessary for efficient and effective performance of their duties.

These officer trainees are presently undergoing 35 weeks foundation training at CPWD Training Institute, Ghaziabad.

This release issued at 1915 hrs