Nagpur: The Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday emphasised that strict implementation of rules must go hand-in-hand with strengthening public trust in the administration, while addressing the valedictory ceremony of the 78th batch of officer trainees at the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT) in Nagpur.

Highlighting the core values of governance, the President stated that humility, restraint, and sensitivity are integral to ideal administrative conduct. She said the role of officers goes beyond enforcing laws and extends to reinforcing citizens’ faith in governance through decisions rooted in justice, transparency, and integrity, which ultimately contribute to the nation’s holistic development.

Addressing future challenges, Murmu noted that officers will face complexities of the digital economy, international transactions, and evolving tax evasion methods. While modern tools like data analytics and artificial intelligence will enhance efficiency, she underlined that technology remains only a tool, and the true identity of an officer lies in their wisdom, honesty, and ethical outlook.

She further highlighted that the Income Tax Act, 2025, implemented from April 1, 2026, marks a shift towards a simplified and transparent tax regime, placing significant responsibility on IRS officers for its effective execution.

Speaking on the occasion, Jishnu Dev Varma called upon officers to contribute actively towards building a “Viksit Bharat,” noting the encouraging rise in the number of women officers in the Indian Revenue Service.

Meanwhile, Chandrashekhar Bawankule stressed that decisions taken by government officials must prioritise larger public interest, especially as India continues its rapid economic growth and strengthens its global standing.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal. Meritorious trainees of the 78th batch were felicitated by the President during the event.