A group of 41 probationers of Indian Ordnance Factories Service 2013 (II) batch called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (February 17, 2014) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion, the President stated that the nature of duties which the officers of the Indian Ordinance Factories Service are required to perform involve tremendous responsibility. He said that they should never forget that for every failed bullet, or weapon, there is the life of a soldier at stake; who is performing his call of duty for the safety and integrity of the country. Thus it’s not about producing arms and ammunitions only; it is about giving quality products, ensuring timely deliveries and strengthening hands of our Armed Forces, Para military forces and Police forces.

The President said that the officers would need to continuously upgrade their skills in terms of developing, producing and upgrading the weapon systems. He said that maintaining quality is of utmost importance.

The President quoted Confucius and said - "What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I do, I understand." He wished the probationary officers all success in the future, as on their success depends the success of our defence capabilities.

The probationers, undergoing training at National Academy of Defence Production, Nagpur, are presently in Delhi to attend three days training on Parliamentary Procedures and Practices at BPST, Lok Sabha Secretariat.