New Delhi, August 17: Officer Trainees of the 2025 batch of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on August 17, during their training at the National Institute of Defence Estates Management (NIDEM).
The interaction focused on the role of public servants in managing defence estates while ensuring that citizens receive efficient, accessible and people-friendly public services.
Managing Defence Land and Cantonments
Rajnath Singh highlighted the important responsibilities of the Defence Estates Department, particularly in the management of defence land and the municipal administration of Cantonment Boards across the country.
He urged the young officers to understand that their responsibilities extend beyond administrative functions and directly affect the lives of citizens residing in and around cantonment areas.
‘Seva Bhav’ Must Guide Public Service
The Defence Minister emphasised that civil servants must respond to the evolving aspirations of citizens with a strong sense of ‘Seva Bhav’ — the spirit of service.
He encouraged the officer trainees to adopt a people-centric approach to governance and ensure that government services are delivered in a manner that is responsive, transparent and accessible.
Singh also advised the officers to regularly interact with the public, listen carefully to their grievances and understand their concerns.
Direct engagement with citizens, he said, can help officers build trust and provide people with a greater sense of assurance that their issues are being heard and addressed.
Focus on Well-Being
The Raksha Mantri also stressed that public servants must pay attention to their physical and mental well-being, particularly as they take on demanding administrative responsibilities.
He encouraged the young officers to follow a spiritual path and practise meditation, highlighting the importance of maintaining balance and mental resilience while serving in public office.
Preparing the Next Generation of Defence Administrators
The interaction provided the IDES officer trainees an opportunity to engage directly with the Defence Minister and gain insights into the expectations placed on them as future officers responsible for defence estate administration.
The meeting underlined the importance of combining professional competence, administrative efficiency and empathy towards citizens in the delivery of public services.
Director General Defence Estates Smt Shobha Gupta was also present during the interaction.