Latest news with #NationalCivilServicesDay
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Business Standard
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Be facilitators of growth, PM Narendra Modi exhorts civil servants
Civil servants in India must transform themselves into enablers, expanding their role from being merely the keeper of rule books to becoming facilitators of growth, said Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Monday. In his 40-minute pep talk to the country's top civil servants on the occasion of the National Civil Services Day at the national capital's Vigyan Bhavan, the PM said the world was changing at a rapid pace, and India's bureaucracy and policymaking could not operate on outdated frameworks. He urged them to become tech-savvy, adapt to contemporary challenges, and, most of all, follow the mantra of 'Nagarik Devo Bhava' and be sensitive to the needs of the poor. Modi said there was a time when the bureaucracy's role was that of a regulator, which 'controlled the speech of industrialisation and entrepreneurship'. 'But the country has moved beyond this thought process. Today, we are busy creating an environment to promote an entrepreneurial spirit in citizens and helping them cross barriers,' the PM said. Modi pointed at the example of the MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) sector, which he said was the foundation of the government's 'manufacturing mission'. He said the country's young entrepreneurs and its MSMEs had a historic opportunity, given the changes taking place in the world. 'It is essential in such a scenario that we become more competitive in the global supply chain,' he said, adding, how even a small country with better 'ease of compliances' would compete strongly with India's startups. 'If the objective of Indian industry is to make globally best products then India's bureaucracy's objective should be to provide the world's best ease of compliances environment.' Modi said this was the time for civil servants to 'reimagine reforms' and increase the 'pace and scale of reforms' across sectors. 'Infrastructure development, renewable energy, internal security … or if the objective is to reduce corruption, (the rollout of) social-welfare schemes, or Olympic sports, we need to carry out new reforms in every sector.' The PM said the world was keen on investing in India, and it was incumbent on all to ensure this opportunity was not lost. 'We have to reduce the possibility of red tape at every level -- state, district, or block -- and only then would we be able to achieve our targets in states, districts, and blocks,' he said. 'The policies we are working on today, the decisions we are taking, are going to shape the future of the next 1,000 years,' the PM said. In the past 10 years India has progressed from incremental change to impactful transformation, and the country's governance model is now focused on next-generation reforms, leveraging technology and innovative practices, he said. 'In the age of technology, governance is not about managing systems, it is about multiplying possibilities,' he said. The PM highlighted rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and quantum physics, asking civil servants to prepare for this technological revolution. But he also observed: 'No matter how technology-driven the world becomes, we should never forget the importance of human judgement.' The PM noted this year's theme of Civil Services Day was 'Holistic Development of India', which is a commitment to ensure that no village, no family, and no citizen was left behind, adding that true progress was not about small changes but about achieving a full-scale impact. He said quality in governance was not determined by the mere launch of schemes but by how deeply these schemes reached the people and their real impact. Modi said food, water, and energy security remained major issues, particularly for the Global South, and underlined the need to develop localised strategies and build resilience to tackle these emerging global issues. 'Every time you prioritise integrity over convenience, innovation over inertia, or service over status, you propel the nation forward,' he said. Since 2006, the National Civil Services Day is being every year on April 21. It was on this day in 1947, addressing the probationers of Administrative Services Officers at Delhi's Metcalf House, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel referred to civil servants as the 'steel frame of India'.
Indian Express
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz: History and Culture MCQs on civil services in colonial era and Urdu (Week 107)
1. This national observance of the day was first marked on April 21, 1951. 2. The day's history can be traced back to the time when Jawaharlal Nehru, addressed the probationers of Administrative Services Officers in 1947. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation Every year on April 21, the Government of India commemorates National Civil Services Day to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional efforts of our civil servants engaged in public service, the backbone of the nation's administration, as they devote themselves to the cause of citizens. On this day, the Prime Minister of India honours civil service officers with the PM Awards for Excellence in Public Administration in recognition of their outstanding service and contributions. This national observance was first marked on April 21, 2006. The day's history can be traced back to the time when the first Home Minister of Independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, addressed the probationers of Administrative Services Officers at Metcalf House in Delhi, referring to the civil servants as the 'steel frame of India' on April 21, 1947. Therefore, d is the correct answer. QUESTION 2 In his evidence before the select committee of the British Parliament before the grant of Charter in 1832 he asserted that many of the Indians were fully qualified to discharge the duties assigned to them. Who is referred to in the above lines? (a) Satyendranath Tagore (b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy (c) Dadabhai Naoroji (d) Surendranath Banerji Explanation Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the father of Indian nationalism was the first Indian to have placed the demand for reform of the civil service in India in a formal manner. In his evidence before the select committee of the British Parliament before the grant of Charter in 1832 he asserted that many of the Indians were fully qualified to discharge the duties assigned to them. Therefore, b is the correct answer. Which Commission recommended the division of main services into three classes while considering the ethnic composition of the superior Indian public services of the Government of India? (a) Sapru Commission (b) Sadler Commission (c) Islington Commission Explanation In 1923, a Royal Commission on Superior Civil Service in India under the chairmanship of Lord Lee was appointed. The purpose was to consider the ethnic composition of the superior Indian public services of the government of India. The Commission recommended the division of main services into three classes. All India Services Central Services Provincial Services Therefore, d is the correct answer. (Refer: Knowledge Nugget | National Civil Services Day 2025: Key historical moments in the evolution of India's Civil Services that UPSC aspirants must know) With reference to 'Akhbar-us-Zafar', consider the following statements: 1. It was the first Urdu newspaper of India launched by Harihar Dutta. 2. Its original name was ' Delhi Urdu Akhbar', dedicated to the nationalist cause in the wake of the revolt of 1857. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation The first Urdu newspaper, Jam-i-Jahan-Numa, was published on March 27, 1822. The weekly was launched by Harihar Dutta from Kolkata. 📍Maulvi Muhammad Baqir (1780-1857), a Urdu journalist, was the first to lay down his life for the nation. He started a Urdu newspaper, ' Delhi Urdu Akhbar ', dedicated to the nationalist cause in the wake of the revolt of 1857. After the revolt broke out on 10 May 1857, Baqir renamed the paper as ' Akhbar-us-Zafar ' (Paper of Zafar) to pay tribute to the leader of the revolt. Therefore, b is the correct answer. QUESTION 5 'Ghurrat-ul- Kamal' was written by: (a) Masood Lahori (b) Mirza Ghalib (d) None of the above Explanation Ameer Khusro, in his book 'Ghurrat-ul- Kamal' had written that Masood Lahori (Masood Saad Salman), a renowned poet who was born in Lahore in the 11th century, had composed poetry in Hindvi (Urdu), which is also called Dehlavi. This shows that it originated very much from Punjab, as Lahore was the part of greater Punjab only before partition, according to Prof. Ali Abbas of Punjab University. He said that before it was called Urdu, it was familiar with other names, including Hindustani, Hindavi, Dehlavi, and Rekhta. Therefore, c is the correct answer.
Indian Express
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
National Civil Services Day 2025: Key moments in the evolution of India's Civil Services that UPSC aspirants must know
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge for your UPSC exams. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. ( Relevance: UPSC can ask questions on this topic, especially from a historical point of view. Also, from the perspective of current affairs, it is very relevant for the Ethics and Essay papers where aspirants can cite examples. Moreover, Civil Services Day is closely linked to aspirants' future professions. Therefore, understanding the history and spirit of civil services goes beyond academics. Historical context adds to your knowledge and pride for the service you aim for.) Why in the news? Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Nation's Civil Servants on 17th Civil Services Day 2025 on April 21, 2025. On this occasion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conferred the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration on 17th Civil Services Day 2025. PM Modi said the policies that his government is working on are going to shape the future of the next 1,000 years. At an event in the Capital, he said the holistic development of India means no village, no family and no citizen is left behind. 'The policies we are working on today and the decisions we are making are going to shape the future of the next 1,000 years,' he said. Key Takeaways : 1. Every year on April 21, the Government of India commemorates National Civil Services Day to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional efforts of our civil servants engaged in public service, the backbone of the nation's administration, as they devote themselves to the cause of citizens. On this day, the Prime Minister of India honours civil service officers with the PM Awards for Excellence in Public Administration in recognition of their outstanding service and contributions. 2. This national observance was first marked on April 21, 2006. The day's history can be traced back to the time when the first Home Minister of Independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, addressed the probationers of Administrative Services Officers at Metcalf House in Delhi, referring to the civil servants as the 'steel frame of India' on April 21, 1947. 3. While inaugurating the newly created Indian Administrative Service, Patel said, ' The days when the foreigners could be masters are over, and the officers must be guided by the real spirit of service in their day-to-day administration, for in no other manner can they be fit in the scheme of things.' 4. Patel also exhorted the civil servants to cultivate an esprit de corps. It means to have a shared feeling of pride among team or group members, and without it, 'a Service as such has little meaning.' 'A civil servant should regard it as a proud privilege to belong to the Service, covenants of which you will sign, and to uphold throughout your service its dignity, integrity and incorruptibility,' he added. — Lord Cornwallis is considered as 'Father of Civil Services in India. — Until the mid-19th century, Directors of the East India Company nominated youth for civil service. The Covenanted Civil Service formed the European elite of Indian administration. — Lord Wellesley founded the College of Fort William in Calcutta in 1800 to educate young recruits for the Civil Services, — Charter Act of 1853 abolished the patronage system and introduced open competitive examinations. — Reformers like Sir Charles Trevelyan and Robert Lowe supported competitive exams as a way to select candidates with character and ability. —Macaulay Committee (1855) recommendations: Lord Macaulay's Report introduced a merit-based civil service. • Civil servants should be university graduates (preferably from Oxford or Cambridge). • Emphasis placed on general academic education, not vocational or legal training. • Recommended replacing the patronage system with competitive examinations. • A Civil Service Commission was established in London (1854). • Age limit: Minimum 18 years, Maximum 25 years. Syllabus was heavily focused on European Classics, disadvantaging Indian aspirants. — Despite efforts, simultaneous exams in India were denied for decades. British reluctance aimed at limiting Indian success in ICS. — Due to Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, simultaneous exams were approved. — From 1922, ICS exams began in India (initially in Allahabad, later Delhi). — The Federal Public Service Commission was set up. — Exams in London continued alongside. — 1876: Covenanted Civil Service was restructured into Executive and Judicial branches to enhance justice delivery. Judicial training made compulsory for those aspiring to be District Judges. Deputy Collectors were appointed by District Collectors in consultation with the Board of Revenue, without competitive exams. — The Aitchison Commission, formed in 1886 aimed to enhance Indian participation in public services. It recommended the abolition of the Statutory Civil Service, classification of services into Imperial, Provincial, and Subordinate categories. It also recommended capping the civil service entry age at 23 years. The commission also advised discontinuing simultaneous examinations in England and India. — The Islington Commission's report (1917): It recommended that 25 percent of the higher government posts should go to Indians. However, this report became a dead letter in 1918, when the Montagu-Chelmsford Report proposed Indian appointments to one-third of the posts. — 1918: 50 Indians were nominated to the Indian Civil Service by the Secretary of State. — In 1923, a Royal Commission on Superior Civil Service in India under the chairmanship of Lord Lee was appointed. The purpose was to consider the ethnic composition of the superior Indian public services of the government of India. The Commission recommended the division of main services into three classes. All India Services Central Services Provincial Services — Government of India Act 1935 established the Federal Public Service Commission. Through Public Service Commission for each of the provinces, provisional autonomy was introduced. Post-Independence Developments — 1947: After transfer of power, the Indian Civil Service was replaced by the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Imperial Police Service Superior police officers formed part of the Imperial Police. First open competition in 1893 in England; top 10 became probationary ASPs. Indians allowed entry post-1920. Exams held in both India and England from 1921. Indianisation was slow, despite Islington and Lee Commissions. Till 1931, Indians filled only 20% of SP posts. Post-1939, more Indians were recruited due to lack of suitable European candidates. Imperial Forest Service Imperial Forest Department established in 1864. Imperial Forest Service (IFS) constituted in 1867. Officers trained in France and Germany (1867–1885), then Coopers Hill, London till 1905. From 1920, recruitment held in both India and England, and by promotion from provincial services. Post-independence, the Indian Forest Service (IFS) was created in 1966 under All India Services Act, 1951. Post Read Question Which of the following Commissions in the colonial era recommended the abolition of the Statutory Civil Service and classification of services into Imperial, Provincial, and Subordinate categories? (a) The Aitchison Commission (b) The Islington Commission (c) Royal Commission on Superior Civil Service in India (d) None of the above
Hans India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy extends heartfelt wishes on National Civil Services Day
Hyderabad: On the occasion of National Civil Services Day, Chief Minister Mr Revanth Reddy extended his heartfelt wishes to all civil services officers across the country. In his message, the Chief Minister highlighted the crucial role played by civil services officers in the development of the nation and in ensuring good governance. He noted that the day serves as a reminder of their significant contribution to the country's progress. Mr Reddy emphasised that civil servants play a vital role in the formulation and implementation of public welfare policies. He stated that their dedicated service greatly contributes to the advancement of both the state and the nation. Commending their unwavering commitment and professional excellence, the Chief Minister praised the efforts of civil services officers in upholding the values of integrity, accountability, and public welfare.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Madhya Pradesh IAS officers Rahul Haridas Fating, Neha Meena receive PM's award
BHOPAL: Two Madhya Pradesh cadre IAS officers, Dr Rahul Haridas Fating and Neha Meena , received "The Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration" from PM Narendra Modi at a New Delhi ceremony on Monday. The Prime Minister presented 16 awards on National Civil Services Day, recognising excellence in district development, aspirational blocks programme and innovation among civil servants. Dr Fating earned the recognition for his dev elopmental work in Barwani district. Meena's award acknowledges her innovative approach to tackling malnutrition through community engagement and her success in reducing severe malnutrition cases. During his tenure as Barwani collector from January 2023 to January 2024, Dr Fating launched numerous successful programmes including Warlu Commando, Mission Neev, Reach Campaign, Mission E-Guru, Sneh Sarokar and Blood Donation Camp. The predominantly tribal Barwani district faces accessibility challenges, with over 2,700 hamlets and 100 villages lacking network connectivity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest $200 in Amazon without buying stocks to earn a second salary Marketsall Sign Up Undo Dr Fating, a 2012 batch IAS officer, now serves as commissioner of Madhya Pradesh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board. Neha Meena, from the 2014 IAS batch and current collector of Jhabua district, has been selected for the Prime Minister's Award-2024 for her outstanding administrative achievements in the Aspirational Block Programme . Recipients of the awards receive a trophy, scroll and Rs 20 lakh incentive for their district/organisation.
