National Civil Services Day - 21st April

[Deepak Kiran]

Every year, on 21st April, National Civil Services Day is celebrated in India as a token of appreciation for all officers, engaged in various public departments in the country, who work tirelessly to run India’s administrative machinery. This day also acts as a reminder for civil servants, working in various departments, of the cause to serve the citizens of the country above all else.

The civil servants, particularly at the higher echelons of the administrative hierarchy play a critical role both in determining policy choices as well as charting the course through which policy is implemented. Officers appointed in IAS, IPS, and others are often the ones who work at the grassroots level to address various social issues faced by the citizens.

Why is Civil Services Day celebrated?​

The government of India celebrates Civil Services Day, every year as an occasion for the civil servants to rededicate themselves to the cause of serving citizens and renew their commitments to public service and excellence in work. The reason behind choosing this very date was to commemorate the day when the first Home Minister of Independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, addressed the probationers of Administrative Services Officers in 1947 at Metcalf House, Delhi. There he referred to civil servants as the ‘steel frame of India’. This meant that civil servants, employed at various levels of the government, act as supporting pillars of the country’s administrative system.

Does the govt award any prizes, release any documents etc?​

As part of Civil Services Day, Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are presented to Districts/Implementing Units for implementation of Priority programmes and innovation categories.

 

[Deepak Kiran]

It is observed on April 21 to commemorate when the first Home Minister of Independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, addressed the probationers of Administrative Services Officers in 1947 at Metcalf House, Delhi




Civil Service in our country consists of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and comprehensive list of All India Services and Central Services Group A and Group B. The Day is dedicated to all those who are involved in civil service in order to commemorate their exemplary services. On this day, they also make plans for coming years. The celebration on this day motivate Civil Service officers to work more efficiently for the public.

On National Civil Service Day, the central government evaluate the work of various departments. On this day, the government also give wards to the best working individuals and groups.

 

[Somaiya Karn]