A group of IAS officers from the 2024 batch, currently serving as Assistant Secretaries in various Union Ministries and Departments, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday (May 20, 2026).
Addressing the young officers, the President said the IAS and other All India Services have played a crucial role in India’s development and expectations from officers have increased as the country moves towards higher growth.
She told the officers that they would get opportunities to work in diverse sectors and often lead teams of experts, making continuous learning, adaptability and quick decision-making essential qualities.
Emphasising ethical governance, President Murmu said neutrality reflects fairness, sensitivity shows commitment to inclusivity, while transparency and sustained performance build credibility. She underlined that integrity in personal and professional conduct gives officers the moral courage to act decisively in public interest.
The President said officers should blend compassion with rationality, remain sensitive without becoming sentimental and follow rules without losing sight of larger objectives. She added that ethics and governance are inseparable and officers must not only remain honest but also deliver results.
She stressed that avoiding decisions cannot be considered morality and said delays in administrative decision-making deprive people of their legitimate interests, much like delayed justice amounts to denial of justice.
Highlighting the role of democracy, the President said officers must give priority to issues raised by elected representatives as they reflect public aspirations.
She also urged officers to work with dedication towards the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and keep the interests of marginalized sections at the centre of governance and decision-making.
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