New Delhi: In a strong message underscoring the importance of civilian contribution to national defence, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the exceptional back-end support by various departments of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) played a critical role in the success of Operation Sindoor. He was speaking at the 84th Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civilian Services Day at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi on August 1, 2025.
Nation-Building Beyond the Battlefield
The Defence Minister emphasised that wars are not fought by militaries alone but by entire nations, adding that in today’s complex security landscape, a dynamic, innovative and error-free approach is essential. He stressed the importance of constant improvement to adapt to evolving needs and warned against even the slightest negligence.
“A robust administrative system is essential for a strong military power,” said the Raksha Mantri.
Pillars of Continuity and Expertise
Commending the role of AFHQ Civilian Services, Shri Rajnath Singh said they act as an institutional memory of the MoD, offering domain expertise, policy continuity, and administrative consistency, while ensuring civil-military synergy.
He hailed AFHQ as a pillar of a modern, integrated national defence system and called on officials to adopt global best practices for training, capacity development, and professional excellence.
Training for Values and Vision
The Minister also urged that training must go beyond technical skills and include ethical orientation, behavioural excellence, and value-based learning, aligning actions with national interests. This, he said, would make AFHQ not just an administrative body, but a value-based institution.
Digital Transformation and Thought Leadership
During the event, the Raksha Mantri:
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Launched a redeveloped website for the Office of Joint Secretary & Chief Administrative Officer (www.caomod.gov.in), enabling employees to access:
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Orders & promotions
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Medical & salary updates
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Form-16, transfers, and training applications
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Released two publications:
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‘Viksit Bharat@2047: Karmikon Ke Vichar’, featuring 40 articles by civilian staff on themes such as Digital India, AI in Defence, NEP 2020, and Green Energy.
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32nd issue of ‘Samvad’, a magazine containing travelogues, essays, poems, and more by AFHQ employees.
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Honouring Excellence during Operation Sindoor
Shri Rajnath Singh presented awards to AFHQ personnel for outstanding achievements in fields such as sports and academics, including recognition for the children of staff who performed exceptionally well.
Senior Dignitaries Present
The event was graced by senior military and civil officials, including:
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General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff
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General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff
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Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff
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Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary
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Dr Niten Chandra, Secretary (Ex-servicemen Welfare)
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Dr Samir V Kamat, DRDO Chairman
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Dr Mayank Sharma, Financial Advisor (Defence Services)
AFHQ Day: Recognising Civil-Military Cohesion
Celebrated annually on August 1, AFHQ Day honours the vital role of civilian personnel working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Armed Forces across Integrated Service Headquarters, HQ IDS, and 24 Inter-Service Organisations of MoD. The day aims to foster a spirit of unity and purpose among civilian cadres who act as the crucial bridge between Service HQs and the Ministry.
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