President Droupadi Murmu Meets 79th Batch IRS (IT) Trainees at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Highlights Role of Direct Taxes in National Development
President Droupadi Murmu meets 79th batch IRS (IT) trainees at Rashtrapati Bhavan, stressing the importance of direct taxes for national development and advising young officers to uphold integrity, fairness, and constitutional values.
On March 10, 2026, officer trainees of the 79th batch of the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan during their induction training at the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT), Nagpur. The interaction provided the young officers with an opportunity to engage directly with the President and gain insights into the critical role of tax administration in strengthening India’s economy and governance framework.
Direct Taxes Crucial for Development
President Murmu emphasized that direct taxes are vital for national development, serving as a stable source of revenue for the government. She noted that tax collections support key sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and welfare programmes, thereby ensuring inclusive growth.
She stressed that a fair, transparent, and efficient taxation system is essential not only for economic progress but also for promoting equality and social justice.
IRS Officers’ Role Beyond Tax Collection
Highlighting the broader responsibilities of IRS officers, President Murmu explained that their role extends well beyond tax collection. Officers are frequently tasked with:
Monitoring illegal financial flows
Analysing complex corporate structures
Ensuring financial transparency and accountability
She described IRS officers as crucial stakeholders in safeguarding the integrity of India’s financial system.
Partners in India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ Vision
President Murmu underscored that IRS officers are key contributors to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat). She noted that officers are regularly required to make decisions that must be fair, efficient, and informed by a deep understanding of business and economic activities.
Advice to Young Officers
The President offered guidance to the trainees as they embark on their careers in public service. She urged them to:
Exercise authority with responsibility and restraint
Maintain integrity and fairness in decision-making
Balance enforcement with facilitation
Uphold constitutional values in governance
She remarked that a successful civil servant is one who combines authority with humility and efficiency with empathy.
Training at NADT Nagpur
The officer trainees are currently undergoing induction training at the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT), Nagpur, the premier institution for IRS officers.
Notably, the 79th batch also includes two trainee officers from the Royal Bhutan Service, reflecting NADT’s international collaborations and India’s commitment to capacity-building in allied nations.
