ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE OCCASION OF CALL ON BY PROBATIONERS OF INDIAN DEFENCE ACCOUNTS SERVICE

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each one of you for your selection in the prestigious Indian Defence Accounts Service. This achievement is not just a personal milestone, but the beginning of a journey of service, responsibility and dedication to the nation. You have joined a service that plays a significant role in strengthening India’s defence preparedness.

The officers of the Indian Defence Accounts Service occupy an important position in the management of financial resources of the Indian Armed Forces and allied organisations. From budgeting and accounting to audit, payments, financial advice, and ensuring transparency in defence expenditure, your role directly impacts operational readiness and the development of defence infrastructure. As the principal accounting and financial authority of the Defence Services, you are expected to understand the unique challenges, hardships, and operational realities faced by our Armed Forces. Your ability to empathize with their needs and deliver responsive financial services defines the effectiveness of your department.

As young officers, many of you will be dealing with high-value and strategically significant proposals early in your careers. This is both a privilege and a responsibility. You are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity. Fairness, transparency, and accountability must guide every decision you make. You should remember that trust is the foundation of public service and it should be protected with unwavering commitment.

Dear probationers,

We are living in times of rapid change. The evolving geopolitical environment and emerging security challenges demand quicker, smarter, and more accurate decision-making. Simultaneously, business processes are becoming more complex and technology-driven. In this context, the Defence Accounts Department should continuously adapt, innovate, and modernize. There is also an urgent need to actively support the Government of India’s ambitious “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” by encouraging indigenous production, strengthening local supply chains and promoting domestic industry. You can also contribute to building a self-reliant and resilient defence ecosystem.

I am happy to know that the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) is implementing technology-driven systems using Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning and data science for automated accounting, procurement oversight and payment processing. Such technologies reduce manual intervention, speed up approvals, and strengthen real- time financial transparency and analytics. I urge all the officers to learn the new skills and use tools such as AI-driven financial analytics to support evidence-based decisions and analytics for efficient fund utilisation.

Dear probationers,

Your decisions and actions will have a significant impact on the development journey of the nation. Every efficient payment, every well- advised financial decision, and every transparent process contributes to national security and economic development. Your work enables the Armed Forces to focus on their core mission—defending the sovereignty and integrity of our nation.

I urge you to remain lifelong learners, to stay curious, and to embrace change with confidence. Let professionalism, humility, and a sense of purpose guide your careers. You should remember that the true measure of service lies not in position or recognition. It lies in the steady contribution you would make to the effective functioning of institutions and the welfare of citizens.

I wish each one of you a career marked by excellence and meaningful service to our great nation. My best wishes for your future endeavours.

Thank you,
Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!