Excerpts from Vice Presidents Address at the 50th Foundation Day of Indian Posts & Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service

Excerpts from Vice-Presidents Address at the 50th Foundation Day of Indian Posts & Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service. The Vice-President delivered a remarkable speech during the 50th Foundation Day of the Indian Posts & Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service at ICWA, New Delhi. He touched upon a broad range of issues, emphasizing the importance of service, digital transformation, and national development.

Excerpts from Vice Presidents Address at the 50th Foundation Day of Indian Posts & Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service

Fiscal Discipline and Communication:

The Vice-President noted that transparency and accountability arise from fiscal discipline. He cleverly linked this to the nurturing role of elders like Nani and Dadi, who impart lessons in a gentle yet effective manner. This analogy served as a reminder of how lessons learned in a calm, disciplined environment stick quickly.

1. India’s Digital Growth:
   Reflecting on India’s digital advancements, he highlighted that the country’s per capita internet consumption exceeds that of China and the USA combined. This speaks volumes about accessibility and adaptability. He also cited the rapid increase in digital transactions under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Digital transactions in India last year were four times the combined transactions of the USA, UK, France, and Germany.
2. India’s Economic Status and Aspirations:
   The Vice-President mentioned India’s current standing as the 5th largest global economy, projecting that it will soon surpass Japan and Germany to become the 3rd largest. He stated that India must aim for a per capita income jump of eight times to realize its status as a developed nation by 2047.
3. The Role of Communication in Nation-Building:
   The speech emphasized that communication, alongside other services, is vital in shaping India’s future. The Vice-President invoked the analogy of a grand ‘havan’ (sacrificial fire) happening across the nation, symbolizing collective contributions towards a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
4. Democracy and National Progress:
   The Vice-President praised India’s democratic journey, stressing the importance of core values and dialogue in sustaining democratic vitality. He linked these democratic principles to national development, stating that a nation’s progress is not just measured by individual achievements but by the broader societal benefit.
5. Digital Technologies and Challenges:
   He acknowledged the transformative role of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and machine learning. These technologies, he said, offer both challenges and opportunities for governance. The Vice-President underscored the necessity of modern civil servants being tech-savvy and proactive in embracing digital solutions.
6. Ethics and Digital Governance:
   Addressing cybersecurity and data integrity, the Vice-President stressed the need for new ethical benchmarks in the digital realm. He urged the adoption of quantum-safe encryption and blockchain technologies to ensure transparency and security, which are critical for India’s leadership in the digital space.
7. Collaboration Across Institutions:
   The speech highlighted the importance of cross-departmental collaboration in an interconnected world. The Vice-President emphasized that India’s success lies in harmonious collaboration between the judiciary, executive, and legislature. He also acknowledged that while challenges are inevitable, they should be viewed as opportunities for growth.
8. The Role of Youth in India’s Future:
   The Vice-President called attention to India’s demographic dividend, describing it as the world’s largest youth population. He encouraged the service sector to harness this potential through digital entrepreneurship and skills development, especially in rural areas.
9. The Need for Self-Audit:
   Finally, the Vice-President urged the importance of self-audit and external scrutiny. He stressed that institutions or individuals who shy away from scrutiny are doomed to degeneration, and thus, maintaining transparency and accountability is crucial for progress.

In summary, the Vice-President’s address was an insightful reflection on India’s path to becoming a developed nation. He emphasized the crucial role of digital transformation, ethical governance, and collaboration in realizing the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.