18th CIVIL SERVICES DAY
I touch and salute the holy feet of Bharat Mata – the Most Powerful and the Most Merciful.
On the occasion of the 18th Civil Services Day, the dignitaries sharing the dais with me, Principal Secretary to PM, Dr. P.K. Mishra Ji; Hon’ble Minister of State, Dr. Jitendra Singh Ji; Principal Secretary-2 to PM, Shri Shaktikanta Das Ji; Cabinet Secretary, Dr. T. V. Somanathan Ji; Secretary, D.A.R.P.G, Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma Ji; other distinguished dignitaries and my dear officers from the Civil Services present here and connected virtually.
Aap Sabko Namaskar!
First and foremost, I extend my best wishes to all the civil servants serving all over Bharat and also to your retired colleagues on the Civil Services Day. As you all know, planning can be done from Delhi, but the fruitful result in the remote village can come only when it is implemented in its real sense. That is where the Civil Services predominantly play an immense role. It has been 79 years since Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji, the first Home Minister of independent India, addressed probationers of the Administrative Services in Delhi. In that address, Shri Sardar Patel Ji had referred to civil servants as the "steel frame of India". That means you are the real protectors of the interests of the people. Every batch of officers since then has proved time and again that they are indeed the “steel frame of India.” You have been the ‘backbone of the nation’ in India’s journey towards progress and prosperity.
Take the case of the Aspirational District Programme, which is one of the innovative programmes of our Hon’ble Prime Minister. If we take all the underdeveloped States, some States say we are contributing more, so why shouldn’t we get more? But it is not really correct. Even in the States, not all the districts are able to contribute in the same way; some districts contribute more, and some contribute less. But it is the responsibility of the State to take care of all the districts. Like that, the Central Government has to take care of all the States. It cannot neglect any State or let a State remain underdeveloped forever. The Aspirational Districts Programme is, therefore, in my opinion, one of the best programmes of the Central Government.
Even in the Aspirational Districts Programme, it is the Collector who takes care of its implementation. He plans according to the ground realities of the district. One Product-One District, of the Government, is also another example of a good initiative, but for it to be a success, it has to be implemented by the District Collector.
This year holds special significance as it is the 150th birth anniversary of Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji. He is the Iron Man, the unifier of our country, and the Father of the All-India Services. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji unified India politically, and as the architect of the civil services, he brought the nation together under a shared spirit of service and unity. This step of Sardar Patel Ji has enabled Bharat in its journey from colonial India to march towards a Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Bharat has achieved several milestones in the last decade through the forward-looking vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shriman Narendra Modi ji’s – ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’. To name a few developments, nearly 25 crore people have come out of poverty; over 4 crore houses have been built for the poor and the border villages of the country are being developed as vibrant villages.
Women are leading the development of the country, supported by schemes such as Lakhpathi Didis and Namo Drone Didis. We take any sector, be it infrastructure, health, or education, Bharat now occupies a place of pride at the global level. Dear officers, as the true implementers of the Government’s decisions, your tireless dedication has been a major factor behind these achievements. But still, we have ‘miles to go’, our journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047 is an ongoing journey. It is a journey of development reaching the last mile. It is a vision of inclusive growth and development.
I urge you all to continue the same level of commitment and integrity in implementing government schemes so that benefits truly reach those who need them the most. By focusing on last-mile delivery and staying responsive to ground realities, you make governance more inclusive, effective, and impactful. As our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shriman Narendra Modi ji, emphasized in his last year’s address, civil servants have a profound responsibility in ensuring that ‘no citizen is left behind’.
Meaningful change in any system demands both time and sustained effort. In this journey, it is important to maintain continuity and build upon existing progress. Acknowledge the contributions of your seniors and carry forward the good practices they have established. After all, it is the steady accumulation of small efforts that creates lasting transformation. Adopt best practices of your peers and colleagues. Adapt them thoughtfully to suit local realities for greater impact. By blending innovation with a deep understanding of ground conditions, you will deliver better outcomes and emerge as an effective and respected civil servant.
Dear officers, as you discharge your duties at your respective postings, I urge you to strive for team excellence rather than individual excellence. Nations and institutions are not built overnight; they are shaped through sustained, collective effort. We are now in a rapidly evolving world shaped by constant technological and scientific advancements. In such a dynamic environment, it is essential for you to continuously upgrade your skills, adapt to change, and remain future-ready to serve effectively as agents of transformation. The (I-GOT) Karma-yogi is an excellent platform for your capacity building, anytime, anywhere.
Today, technology is a game-changer and will serve as a useful tool for you in your line of work. It can significantly ease your workload and enable faster, more efficient disposal of tasks. When I was young, I used Remington typewriters. Over time, we shifted to computers and tablets, reflecting the steady march of technology. And now, we have entered the age of AI and other new emerging technologies.
Today, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, I am leveraging digital platforms to conduct the House proceedings more effectively. With the support of BHASHINI, parliamentary papers and debates are now available in multiple languages, bringing governance closer to citizens across Bharat. We are also harnessing AI-powered voice-to-text tools for interpretation, translation, and various other applications, ensuring quicker, smoother, and more efficient handling of work in the Rajya Sabha. To be ready for the future, you also need to embrace newer technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Blockchain, etc. It offers opportunities for improving efficiency, transparency, and citizen service delivery.
Dear officers, character and integrity are the very foundations of public service. I am reminded of the saying of the saintly Tamil Poet Thiruvalluvar,
அறத்தினூஉங்கு ஆக்கமும் இல்லை அதனை
மறத்தலின் ஊங்கில்லை கேடு.
This Kural emphasizes that righteousness is the highest form of wealth. It brings material prosperity and also inner growth, dignity, and lasting honour. You are exposed to competing pressures, complex situations, and difficult decisions. True leadership is not measured by power or position, but by the ability to act ethically even in difficult situations. When you uphold integrity, you ensure fairness, inspire confidence, and strengthen the very fabric of governance.
I am happy to see the growing trend of women in the civil services. A few decades ago, very few women were appointed as District Magistrates or Police Commissioners; even when they were, their presence was limited to just a handful. Today, that reality has changed significantly. I was just consulting with the Hon’ble Minister about the number of women entering the civil services. I am told that over the past decade, we have witnessed a remarkable shift. The share of women in the Civil Services has risen from around 21% in 2016 to nearly 31% in the 2025 examination—an encouraging and meaningful transformation.
In today’s landscape, several women hold Secretary-level positions. Civil Services toppers are increasingly women. We have indeed come a long way. Even during my visit to various districts, I am pleased to see women officers serving as the Police Commissioners, Collectors, and SPs. This progress stands as a powerful testament to Nari Shakti, where talent rises above stereotypes, and determination wins over every obstacle. It is not just a change in numbers, but a shift in mindset. It reminds us that when women are given equal opportunities, they do not just succeed—they redefine success itself. I am hopeful that we will see a similar transformation in the composition of the Parliament and State legislatures through the Nari Sakthi Vandan Adhiniyam.
Governance challenges are dynamic and constantly evolving. The issues and concerns of past decades are no longer the same today. For instance, with rapid economic growth, the focus has increasingly shifted towards urban governance and the complexities that come with it.
I am told that today there will be a panel discussion on “Role and Effectiveness of Civil Services – An External Perspective, and a plenary session on “Ethics and Efficiency” in Civil Services, along with the breakaway sessions on key areas such as farmers’ issues, healthcare, sustainable livelihood, and accelerating India’s Net-Zero journey. These will generate valuable insights for more effective governance. I commend the Hon’ble Minister and the Ministry for taking this thoughtful initiative to celebrate this occasion in such a meaningful manner. I am looking forward to the positive outcomes of the panel discussion.
Every year, 12 to 15 lakhs of students appear for the UPSC exam. Out of which, only around 1000 are finally selected. Out of the 140 crores of people in the country, you have gained a lifetime opportunity to make a change in society. Be proud of your achievement. Always bear in mind that with great power comes great responsibility. You represent the finest of our nation, and Mother Bharat looks to your dedication, integrity, and service to shape a better future for all.
We have recently seen our Hon’ble Prime Minister dedicate Sewa Teerth and Kartavya Bhawan to the nation. These names are not mere symbols; they embody a deeper message, a message of unwavering commitment to service, a strong sense of duty, and your spirit of ‘samarpan’ to the Nation. Let your service be remembered for the lives you transformed in the remotest corners of our nation. Let it be reflected in every village reached, every grievance heard, and every citizen empowered. Through your work, let the true spirit of equality, dignity, and justice reach every Indian.
- Jai Hind!
- Long live Mother Bharat!
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