Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 17th Civil Services Day event at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday, marking the occasion with a call for excellence in public service and governance.
As part of the Civil Services Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also unveiled two e-Coffee Table Books: “Holistic Development of Districts for Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration” and “Select Innovations from Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.” These books highlight exemplary governance practices and innovative initiatives recognized under the prestigious Prime Minister’s Awards.
Along with the book launch, the Prime Minister conferred the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, honoring districts, and central and state government organizations for effectively implementing key programmes and innovative governance solutions.
A film showcasing the award-winning initiatives was screened ahead of the award ceremony, emphasizing the impactful work being done across various parts of the country.
Jharkhand’s Gamharia block in Seraikella-Kharsawan district was conferred the Prime Minister’s Award in the Aspirational Block Programme category for 2024. The award was received by Ravi Shankar Shukla, Deputy Commissioner of Seraikella-Kharsawan, on behalf of Gamharia, which ranked first among 500 aspirational blocks nationwide.
Civil Services Day is observed to encourage civil servants to rededicate themselves to the service of citizens and excellence in governance. The day commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 1947 address to the first batch of Administrative Service probationers at Metcalfe House, Delhi.
Launched on January 7, 2023, by NITI Aayog, the Aspirational Block Programme aims to improve the quality of life in 500 underdeveloped blocks through targeted interventions in five key areas: health and nutrition, education, agriculture and allied sectors, basic infrastructure, and social development.