Civil Services Day: 21 April

Tags: Important Days

Every year, on 21st April, National Civil Services Day is celebrated in India as a mark of appreciation to all the officers engaged in various public departments of the country, who work tirelessly to run the administrative machinery of India.

An Overview of the News

• The theme of Civil Services Day for the year 2023 is Viksit Bharat aimed at 'Empowering Citizens and Reaching the Last Mile'.

• The theme underlines the resolve and unwavering commitment of the government to achieve a more equitable and prosperous India for all its citizens by engaging in inclusive growth.

• The purpose of Civil Services Day is to remind civil servants to work cooperatively and prioritise the welfare of citizens while managing government affairs.

• The Central Government of India uses this day to evaluate the performance of various civil service departments, to recognize and reward best performers and organisations, and to honour the efforts of civil service employees.

• On this day, the Indian Prime Minister honours civil servants of both the central and state governments for their outstanding contribution to public administration.

• The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions organises the event in association with the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).

• Civil Services Day is an occasion to reflect on the progress made by civil servants in shaping India's development.

History of National Civil Service Day

• The term "civil service" originated during the British era, and referred to employees of the British East India Company who held administrative positions.

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was the first Home Minister of India after independence, addressed the Administrative Service Officer Probationers on April 21, 1947 at Metcalfe House in Delhi. Hence, this date was chosen to celebrate Civil Services Day.

• The first event was organised on 21 April 2006 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi and since then 21 April is celebrated as National Civil Service Day.