New Delhi, Dec 14: Vice President Dhankhar Urges Tech-Savvy Approach for Civil Servants, Highlights Role of IP&TAFS in India’s Digital Transformation
On Saturday, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar called on modern civil servants to embrace technological advancements and become key facilitators of change. Speaking at the 50th Foundation Day of the Indian Posts and Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS) in New Delhi, Dhankhar emphasized the need for civil servants to transcend traditional administrative roles, promoting cross-departmental collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world.
In his address, Dhankhar highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence in enhancing audit systems while underlining the importance of human oversight in key decision-making processes. His comments reflected the evolving landscape of governance, where technology and human expertise must work hand in hand to drive progress.
Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, also addressed the gathering, focusing on the three pillars driving the success of India’s telecommunications sector: the stability of the telecom industry, the empowerment of pensioners, and the technological upskilling of the workforce. Scindia praised the officers of IP&TAFS for their dedication to innovation, particularly their role in the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) SAMPANN pension model, which has streamlined pension disbursement for over 5 lakh pensioners. Additionally, he commended the consolidation of the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), a significant step towards enhancing digital inclusion across the country.
Scindia reiterated that the department’s core mission, based on the principles of inclusivity, innovation, and security, serves as a “kavach” (shield) for every citizen of India, ensuring that they remain at the heart of technological advancements.
Since its inception in 1974, the IP&TAFS has been at the forefront of India’s telecommunications and postal financial infrastructure. The service has been instrumental in managing spectrum auctions and generating nearly Rs 25,000 crore annually in revenue from License Fees and Spectrum Usage Charges, which contribute significantly to the government’s finances.
A key aspect of the IP&TAFS’s work is its role in overseeing the financial health of over 3,500 telecom and internet companies. This oversight ensures the sector remains robust and resilient, especially in the face of rapid technological change.
A notable achievement of the service is its contribution to the government’s Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), which supports digital inclusion initiatives across both urban and rural India. This fund is managed through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), which aims to enhance connectivity and access to digital services in underserved regions.
The IP&TAFS has also revolutionized revenue assurance through its SARAS portal, which has digitalized and standardized assessment processes. This initiative has strengthened accountability, ensuring that the largest non-tax revenue source for the government remains secure and transparent.
As India continues its push towards a Digital Bharat, the IP&TAFS remains an indispensable pillar, ensuring that financial and telecom systems are efficient, secure, and aligned with the nation’s growth aspirations. The insights from Vice President Dhankhar and Minister Scindia reflect the transformative role of technology in public service and the critical need for civil servants to adapt to this new era.
