• National Civil Services Day 2022: Know the importance, history and its link with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

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    National Civil Services Day 2022: Know the importance, history and its link with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

    During this historic event, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel referred to the newly recruited civil servants as the “steel frame of India.” In addition, he established the principles and guidelines for effective administration.



    Digital Desk: On April 21 every year, the Union government of India commemorates National Civil Services Day. The day is dedicated primarily to India’s civil servants across all the departments. The contribution of these public servants is recognized on ‘National Civil Services Day.’  


    Why is April 21 observed as National Civil Service Day?


    The date April 21 was chosen to honour National Civil Services Day since it marks the anniversary of the historic speech given by the country’s first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, to the newly appointed Administrative Services Officers. Patel delivered the speech at Metcalf House in New Delhi in 1947.


    During this historic event, Sardar Patel referred to the newly recruited civil servants as the “steel frame of India.” In addition, he established the principles and guidelines for effective administration.


    On April 21, 2006, the country’s inaugural National Civil Services Day was held in New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan. Since then, this event has become an annual celebration of public servants’ contributions to the country’s progress.



    How is the day celebrated?


    According to the awards’ official website, the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are given out every year on this day to honour, recognize, and reward the remarkable and creative work done by Districts/Organizations of the Central and State Governments.


    At this award ceremony, civil servants join together to learn about best practices in the field of public administration.


    Importance:


    The Centre examines and reviews the work of several departments under its supervision on National Civil Services Day. These honours also recognize the significant contribution of the civil service to the country’s progress since its independence.


    The Centre received 2,253 nominations for the awards last year. Out of the total number, there were 183 under the Khelo India scheme and 847 under the Innovation scheme.


    This year, the total awards were granted for 5 ‘Priority Programs’ and innovations in public administration.


    These five priority programs are:

    1. Promoting “Jan Bhagidari” or People’s Participation in Poshan Abhiyan
    2. Promoting excellence in sports and wellness through the Khelo India scheme
    3. Digital payments and Good Governance in PM SVANidhi Yojana
    4. Holistic Development through One District One Product scheme
    5. Seamless, End-to-End Delivery of Services without Human Intervention