A group of 182 IRS Probationers of 68th Batch of the Indian Revenue Service including two officers from Bhutan Government called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday (March 13, 2015). Addressing the probationers, the President said he personally had a long association with the Department starting since early in 1970's till 2012, before he joined the office of the President. He has watched the department growing over the years and its transformation as an organization integrating the role of an enforcement organization as well as an organization which cares for the tax payers by providing better quality of tax services. President said that in 1860-61 direct tax collection was Rs. 30 lakh as compared to Rs. 7.98 lakh crores in the year 2015-16; which indicates the rising share of direct tax and also structural changes in the Indian economy. The President called upon each of the officers to use their thoughts, imagination and ideas in the service of the country. He said the quality of public servants is most critical for any governance system. Good public policy is essential but its implementation is even more critical. Civil servants must have the required skill and knowledge as well as right values, which include integrity, spirit of public service and above all, a commitment to the ideals and philosophy embodied in the Constitution of India. The higher civil services in the country must be a role model. Bright young officers must rise to the occasion and live up to the faith and trust reposed in them.
