Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address the nation’s civil servants on April 21, 2025, as part of the 17th Civil Services Day celebrations. This significant occasion will see the Prime Minister confer the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, recognizing outstanding contributions by districts and state or central government organizations. The awards will acknowledge excellence in implementing priority programs and innovations that directly benefit the citizens.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi will highlight the importance of civil servants’ dedication to public service, urging them to continue working for the welfare of the people and strive for excellence. This marks the seventh time that the Prime Minister will address the National Civil Services Day ceremonies. As part of the celebration, the Prime Minister will release e-books on Holistic Development and Innovations, showcasing success stories of implementing key programs. A film detailing the award-winning initiatives will also be presented before the awards ceremony.
Civil Services Day, observed every year on April 21, offers civil servants across India a moment to renew their commitment to public service and excellence. This date was chosen to commemorate the day in 1947 when Sardar Vallabhai Patel addressed the probationers of Administrative Service Officers at Metcalfe House in Delhi.
The Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration aim to recognize extraordinary and innovative work by district and government organizations that have significantly impacted the lives of citizens. For the 2024 awards, three categories have been chosen: Holistic Development of Districts, the Aspirational Blocks Programme, and Innovation. After a thorough evaluation of 1,588 nominations, 14 awardees have been selected to receive the prestigious honors. The awards include a trophy, a scroll, and an incentive of ₹20 lakh, which can be used to further enhance public welfare programs.
Following the award ceremony, a plenary session titled “Civil Services Reforms- Challenges and Opportunities” will be held, chaired by Dr. T.V. Somanathan, Cabinet Secretary. In addition, there will be four breakaway sessions focusing on key issues such as strengthening urban transportation, promoting health through Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Arogya Mandir, improving nutrition for women and children through Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, and advancing the Aspirational Blocks Programme.
The event will see participation from senior officials across the government, including Secretaries, Additional Secretaries, and Joint Secretaries, as well as District Collectors and senior state government representatives. This day-long conference at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, will provide a platform for discussion and reflection on the ongoing reforms in civil services and the future challenges and opportunities in public administration.
