New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with the Officer Trainees of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES), 2025 Batch, at New Delhi on August 17, 2026. The officer trainees are currently undergoing training at the National Institute of Defence Estates Management (NIDEM).
During the interaction, the Defence Minister highlighted the important role of the Defence Estates Department in managing defence land and overseeing the municipal administration of Cantonment Boards across the country.
Rajnath Singh Highlights Role of Defence Estates Department
Rajnath Singh appreciated the contribution of the Defence Estates Department in managing defence land and supporting municipal administration in cantonment areas.
He highlighted the responsibilities that officers in the department will undertake in their careers and emphasised the need for effective public service delivery.
The interaction provided the officer trainees an opportunity to understand the expectations associated with public administration and their future responsibilities.
Read also: Rajnath Singh Highlights Territorial Army’s Role in Security, Disaster Relief and Nation Building
Defence Minister Stresses ‘Seva Bhav’ in Public Service
Rajnath Singh emphasised that public servants must play a key role in meeting the evolving aspirations of citizens.
He urged the budding officers to perform their responsibilities with utmost ‘Seva Bhav’ (spirit of service) and ensure that government services are delivered in a people-friendly manner.
The Defence Minister said officers should remain accessible to citizens and understand their concerns through regular interaction.
Key Messages for Officer Trainees
- Serve citizens with ‘Seva Bhav’
- Adopt a people-centric approach to governance
- Meet people regularly and listen to their concerns
- Address public grievances effectively
- Build a sense of assurance among citizens
- Remain responsive to changing public expectations
Officers Urged to Listen to Public Grievances
The Defence Minister advised the officer trainees to regularly meet people and listen carefully to their grievances.
He emphasised that direct interaction with citizens can help officers better understand their concerns and respond more effectively to their needs.
According to Singh, such engagement is important for building trust and a sense of assurance among citizens.
Rajnath Singh Emphasises Physical and Mental Well-Being
The Defence Minister also urged public servants and budding officers to pay equal attention to their physical and mental well-being.
He encouraged the trainees to follow a spiritual path and practise meditation as part of maintaining overall well-being.
The emphasis on personal well-being was linked to the demanding responsibilities of public service and the need for officers to maintain balance while carrying out their professional duties.
Director General Defence Estates Attends Interaction
Shobha Gupta, Director General Defence Estates, was present during the interaction with the officer trainees.
The Officer Trainees of the Indian Defence Estates Service 2025 Batch are undergoing professional training at NIDEM, where they are being prepared for their future responsibilities in the Defence Estates Department.
The interaction with the Defence Minister highlighted the importance of ethical, responsive and citizen-focused administration as the trainees prepare to take up their roles in public service.
