Vice President visits National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics in AP

Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, visited Andhra Pradesh as part of his participation in the centenary celebrations of Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba. During his visit, he toured the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) in Palasamudram.

At the academy, Vice President Radhakrishnan addressed civil service trainees undergoing training in indirect taxation and narcotics control. He highlighted the crucial role of public servants in building a “Developed India by 2047” and called the Goods and Services Tax (GST) a landmark reform that has streamlined the country’s indirect tax system. He emphasized that officials must enforce laws effectively to curb tax evasion and work for the welfare of society, prioritizing team excellence over individual achievements.

Recalling the inauguration of NACIN’s newly constructed campus in Palasamudram by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024, the Vice President praised the academy as a center of excellence for enhancing the capabilities of India’s customs administration.

Addressing the trainees, he noted the significance of 2025 as the 150th birth anniversary year of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for a strong and self-reliant India. He also lauded the Union Public Service Commission, which will celebrate its centenary in 2026, describing it as a guardian of merit, integrity, and justice in public service recruitment.

The Vice President stressed the importance of inclusive development, highlighting that wealth creation and its equitable distribution are equally vital for national progress. He encouraged officers to embrace new technologies - such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and blockchain - to improve transparency and governance.

He praised NACIN as an excellent platform for officers to enhance their skills and remarked on the exceptional dedication of civil service trainees. Out of nearly 12 lakh UPSC aspirants, only around 1,000 are selected each year, he noted, emphasizing that such training provides a rare opportunity to effect meaningful change in society. “With great power comes great responsibility,” he reminded the trainees, urging them to use this opportunity in the service of the nation.

The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Electronics & Communication Minister Lokesh, Vice President’s Secretary Amit Khare, the Director General of NACIN, and other dignitaries.