New Delhi, August 19, 2026 : President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday urged officer trainees of the Indian Information Service (IIS) to use social media not merely as a platform for disseminating information, but also as a means to listen to citizens, understand their concerns and respond in a responsible and timely manner.
Addressing IIS officer trainees who called on her at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu said social media has fundamentally transformed the manner in which citizens receive, share and respond to information. She emphasised that public communication must be responsive, citizen-centric, accurate and credible.
The President said IIS officers would play a crucial role in ensuring that government policies, programmes and initiatives are communicated to people clearly, accurately and on time. At the same time, she stressed that their responsibility extends beyond information dissemination.
She asked the officers to understand public aspirations, concerns and feedback and ensure that communication channels facilitate meaningful two-way engagement between the government and citizens.
Focus on Truth Amid Misinformation
Highlighting the growing complexity of the information environment, President Murmu called upon the officers to distinguish facts from misinformation and ensure that citizens have timely access to authentic information, particularly during crises.
She said communication in an environment where information travels instantly must always be guided by accuracy, credibility and public interest.
The President also encouraged the officers to make responsible use of the latest technological tools, while ensuring that innovation remains rooted in ethical values, sound human judgement and accountability.
As India moves towards its 2047 vision, she said, the role of IIS officers would become increasingly significant. A well-informed citizen, she noted, is better equipped to participate actively in the country’s development and democratic processes.
President Murmu also urged the officers to communicate with empathy and sensitivity while keeping India’s rich diversity in mind.
Reliable Data Vital for Good Governance
Addressing officer trainees of the Indian Statistical Service (ISS), President Murmu said their work would provide crucial support for evidence-based policymaking across diverse sectors of the economy and society.
She reminded the trainees that behind every dataset are real people and real lives, and encouraged them to make statistics more accessible to citizens, researchers and policymakers.
The President described reliable statistics as a foundation of sound governance, stressing that the quality of public policy depends greatly on the availability of accurate, timely and credible data.
She said the Indian Statistical Service plays an important role in generating, analysing and interpreting official statistics that influence decisions affecting millions of citizens.
Technology Bringing New Opportunities
President Murmu noted that India’s statistical system is undergoing significant transformation through digital technologies and innovative methods of data collection and analysis.
The growing use of machine learning and other emerging technologies, she said, offers new opportunities to generate more timely and detailed information. However, these developments also place greater responsibility on statistical professionals to safeguard statistical integrity, objectivity, confidentiality and professional excellence.
Integrity and Public Service Must Remain Central
The President said the IIS and ISS share a common purpose — strengthening the quality of governance and serving the people of the country.
“Effective communication and credible information are essential pillars of a vibrant and responsive democracy,” she said.
Calling upon the officers to be judicious in their decisions and compassionate in their conduct, President Murmu urged them to remain unwavering in upholding integrity.
She said the authority entrusted to public servants carries a profound responsibility to serve citizens with fairness, humility and dedication.
The President emphasised that while knowledge and professional skills are valuable, it is ultimately an officer’s character, commitment, integrity and sensitivity towards citizens that will define their contribution to the nation.
