Public Servants Should Have Integrity, Innovation: President Pranab Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee today said "integrity, innovation and India" should be at the heart of thought and actions of every public servant.

Addressing the probationers of Indian Ordnance Factories Service and Indian Telecom Service, who had called on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan, said it gave him pleasure that they have by choice decided to opt for a career as public servants dedicated to serve the cause of India and its people.

"He said that he has a message for them that should guide their thoughts and actions, in the years to come. More than anything else, 3-Is i.e. Integrity, Innovation and India should be at the heart of their thoughts and actions," Deputy Press Secretary to the President, Shamima Siddiqui said in a statement.

Mr Mukherjee said that it will be extremely important for them to have integrity of purpose, innovation in action and the interests of India at heart in every task that they undertake and every responsibility that they are called upon to fulfill.

"The President said that the Indian Ordnance Factories Service as well as the Indian Telecom Service deal with technology and manufacturing in the public sector. In serving the requirements of national security and communication needs of the country, both these services cater to elements of vital national interest," the statement said.

He said Ordnance Factories are playing a significant role in contribution to national security.

"Modernisation and technological up-gradation are continuously required and in this area innovation is important. Their endeavour should be to address the requirement of our Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces and fulfil the same," it said.

The statement said Mr Mukherjee told the probationers of IOF probationers to remember that on their product depends a precious life.

"They should give in the hands of a soldier such trustworthy equipment which makes addition to his bravery and valour," he said.

The President said that young officers of the Telecom Service, as civil servants should work for the people of India.

"They have to use the information and communication technology to improve and widen the service delivery mechanism to the citizens of India," it said.