Modi addresses civil servants on significant Civil Services Day

In India, April 21 is recognized as Civil Services Day, a date of significance that honors the contributions of civil servants. Celebrated annually, it commemorates the address made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister, to Administrative Service Officers in 1947, where he articulated the essential role of bureaucrats in India's governance as the 'steel frame' of the nation. This year, the day is particularly notable as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a speech at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, marking the 17th Civil Services Day. During his address, PM Modi is expected to inspire civil servants to reaffirm their dedication to public service excellence. Furthermore, he will present the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, recognizing the remarkable achievements of civil servants in various sectors. This awards ceremony will see 14 individuals honored from a pool of 1,588 nominations across three categories: Holistic Development of Districts, Aspirational Blocks Programme, and Innovation. Each recipient will receive a trophy, scroll, and an incentive of Rs. 20 lakh to support further public welfare initiatives. The day's events will also include the launch of e-books that compile success stories of innovative approaches and holistic developments resulting from priority programs undertaken by civil servants. Notably, PM Modi's address at this ceremony today will mark his seventh consecutive year participating in the Civil Services Day events. Following the awards, a comprehensive conference is scheduled, focusing on the theme 'Civil Services Reforms – Challenges and Opportunities,' chaired by Cabinet Secretary Dr. T.V. Somanathan. This conference will comprise breakout sessions addressing vital issues such as urban transportation, health initiatives, nutrition programs for women and children, and the Aspirational Blocks Programme, with participation from various ministers and experts. Notably, President Droupadi Murmu and other government officials such as Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have extended their greetings to civil servants, recognizing their role in bolstering governance and driving national development. Overall, Civil Services Day provides an annual opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions of civil servants and encourage their commitment to societal welfare and governance excellence.