M. Venkaiah Naidu called for stepping up indigenous production of defence equipment under the Make in India programme while addressing the valedictory session of the first-ever Foundation Course for Military Engineer Services (MES) probationers in Hyderabad.
The Vice President stressed the need to reduce dependence on imported defence equipment and emphasised the importance of continuous skill upgradation and training for officers and professionals to remain updated with evolving technologies and modern defence infrastructure requirements.
Addressing the probationers, Naidu encouraged them to study best practices from both India and abroad, across public and private sectors, and work towards reforming systems and procedures to achieve better productivity and outcomes.
Highlighting the need for cost-effective and time-bound infrastructure development, he advised the officers to spend time in villages to better understand the aspirations and challenges faced by rural communities and marginalised sections of society. He said such exposure would help officers plan and implement infrastructure projects more effectively.
The Vice President noted that trained officers of the Military Engineer Services have significant opportunities to contribute towards disaster mitigation, relief operations, public infrastructure development, and nation-building.
He also stressed the importance of integrity, transparency, accountability, and commitment in public service.
Naidu observed that the Military Engineer Services has played a crucial role in supporting the Indian Armed Forces, Indian Ordnance Factories, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Indian Coast Guard by developing strategic and operational infrastructure.
