On October 5, 2023, officers belonging to the Central Power Engineering Service from the 2018, 2020, and 2021 batches, along with probationers of the Indian Trade Service from the 2022 batch, had the privilege of meeting with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. During this insightful interaction, President Murmu discussed critical aspects related to energy and trade and their significance in India’s socio-economic landscape.
Addressing the officers of the Central Power Engineering Service, President Murmu emphasized that one of the key indicators of a country’s socio-economic progress is its energy demand and consumption. As India charts its course to become the world’s third-largest economy, it is evident that the demand and consumption of power will continue to rise, further propelling the nation’s development.
The President stressed that energy efficiency and renewable energy are pivotal pillars in achieving India’s goal of net-zero emissions. Highlighting the importance of energy efficiency, she referred to it as the “first fuel” in clean energy transitions, offering rapid and cost-effective climate change mitigation solutions. Energy efficiency not only reduces energy bills but also strengthens energy security. President Murmu urged the officers to focus on enhancing energy efficiency, as this will be instrumental in achieving climate change-related objectives.
“She acknowledged that they may encounter challenges during the energy transition and grid integration process but urged them to adopt a holistic approach to address these challenges effectively. Additionally, she emphasized the role of research and innovation in the power sector’s future, particularly in energy storage, grid management, and new forms of energy generation. She encouraged the officers to prioritize research and development to ensure India remains globally competitive in the power sector”.
“Turning her attention to the Indian Trade Service officers, President Murmu highlighted the critical role that trade plays in the backbone of economies. Trade promotes investment, job creation, economic growth, and improved standards of living. India’s commitment to digital and sustainable trade facilitation positions the Indian Trade Service officers as key players in trade promotion. They are not just trade regulators but also trade facilitators”.
President Murmu emphasized that their roles demand a deep understanding of both international relations and trade operations to introduce new dimensions in trade negotiations and policies, ultimately boosting India’s trade. They play a significant role in devising strategies to enhance exports from India. President Murmu mentioned that the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 is based on principles of trust and partnership with exporters, focusing on process re-engineering and automation to facilitate ease of doing business for exporters. She encouraged the Indian Trade Service officers to harness the latest tools of trade analytics to comprehend the evolving international trade landscape. She stressed the need for a holistic outlook and specific domain expertise to effectively tackle global challenges in the field of trade.
The meeting with President Droupadi Murmu served as an opportunity for these dedicated officers to gain valuable insights and guidance, further reinforcing their commitment to serving the nation in their respective capacities.
