Hyderabad: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday hailed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as the “guardian of merit, integrity, and fairness” in civil services recruitment. He was speaking to officer trainees at the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN) in Palasamudram, Andhra Pradesh, ahead of the UPSC’s centenary in 2026.
Radhakrishnan urged young officers to uphold the rule of law, pursue inclusive growth, and adopt technological innovation. He highlighted the scale of competition in the UPSC, noting that only 1,000 candidates succeed out of nearly 12 lakh aspirants every year. This, he said, makes their responsibility both rare and significant.
He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the NACIN Palasamudram campus in 2024. Since then, the academy has emerged as a vital centre for strengthening India’s Customs and GST administration.
The Vice-President also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. As the country celebrates Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, Radhakrishnan credited him with unifying the nation and laying the foundation of the All-India Services. Patel’s leadership, he said, transformed colonial India into a self-reliant and united country.
UPSC guardian of merit in shaping Viksit Bharat
Radhakrishnan stressed the importance of balancing wealth creation with fair distribution. This balance, he added, lies at the heart of Prime Minister Modi’s vision for inclusive development. He also described the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a landmark reform that modernised India’s indirect taxation. To ensure its success, tax evaders must face strict enforcement.
Encouraging trainees to value teamwork, he reminded them that institutions are built through collective effort. Furthermore, he urged them to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Blockchain. These tools, he noted, can enhance transparency and strengthen governance.
Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed Civil Services Officer Trainees at the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN), Palasamudram, Andhra Pradesh, today.
The Vice-President recalled the inauguration of the new NACIN campus… pic.twitter.com/jB7rUaNOlT
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) November 23, 2025
Concluding his address, Radhakrishnan told the officers to use their positions for public good. “With great power comes great responsibility,” he reminded them, urging them to stay grounded in service.