”Take to the path of dharma – the path of truth and justice. Don’t misuse your valour. Remain united. March forward in all humility, but fully awake to the situation you face, demanding your rights and firmness.” – Sardar Patel
The National Civil Services Day is observed on April 21 every year and is dedicated to India’s civil servants for their contribution and hard work in public administration. The first National Civil Service Day was observed in the year 2006.
Who is a civil servant? and Who is IAS?
Every day, civil officials prepare to work for the betterment of the public. Civil service employees help their fellow citizens by providing protection, education, resources, and assistance. A person hired in the public sector by a government department or agency for public sector undertakings is referred to as a civil servant, additionally known as a public servant. Civil servants work for central and state governments, and answer to the government, not a political party.
21st April is a day to appreciate the tremendous work done by officers engaged in public administration, in various departments of the central and state governments. The Indian government chose April 21 as National Civil Service Day because it was on this day in 1947 when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the nation’s first home minister, addressed the newly recruited Administrative Services Officers. The Metcalfe House in Delhi hosted the momentous event. The civil servants were referred to by Sardar Patel as the “steel frame of India,” or alternatively, the foundation of the government of the nation. In his speech, Sardar Patel also outlined the principles of good governance for the benefit of the civil service.
To mark this occasion, Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are presented to Districts/Implementing Units for the implementation of Priority programs and innovation categories.