National Civil Services Day: History, significance and more

The National Civil Service Day is annually observed in India on April 21 to honour the contribution of civil servants to society.

On 1947 this day, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the 'Iron Man of India' referred to the civil servants as the 'steel frame of India' as they are the executors of the policies of the government of the day - a pillar on which the wheel of governance that churns policies and programs for the country.

In India, the civil services consist of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and a comprehensive list of All India Services and Central Services Group A and Group B. Hence, it is considered as the backbone of the government tha tplays a crucial role in the smooth running of the country.

The first Civil Services Day function was held in Vigyan Bhawan here on April 21, 2006.

Celebration This Year

This year's civil services day is celebrated on the theme "Viksit Bharat' - Empowering citizens and reaching the last mile."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Civil Servants at Vigyan Bhawan today at 11 AM.

The PM has always appreciated the contribution of Civil Servants towards nation building and enthused them to work even harder. "The programme will serve as an apt platform for the Prime Minister to motivate and inspire Civil Servants across the country so that they may keep serving the nation with the same zeal, especially during this crucial phase of Amrit Kaal," a statement from the PMO said.

The PM will confer the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration as well. These have been instituted with a view to recognize the extraordinary and innovative work done by districts & organizations of the Central and State Governments for the welfare of common citizens.

"Exemplary work done in four identified priority programmes will be given awards: Promoting Swachh Jal through Har Ghar Jal Yojana; Promoting Swasth Bharat through Health & Wellness Centres; Promoting quality education with an equitable and inclusive classroom environment through Samagra Shiksha; Holistic Development through Aspirational District Programme - overall progress with special focus on saturation approach. Eight awards for above four identified programmes will be given while seven awards shall be given for innovations," the statement added.

Meanwhile, President Draupadi Murmu greeted all civil servants on Civil Services Day and said their service to the nation has been truly commendable.

"Greetings to all civil servants, past and present, on Civil Services Day! Your service to the nation has been truly commendable. The civil services have upheld the highest values of public administration, as envisaged by Sardar Patel, forming a framework for good governance," Murmu tweeted.