New Delhi: The Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, delivered the keynote address at the 18th Civil Services Day समारोह held at Vigyan Bhawan, underscoring the critical role of civil servants in shaping the nation’s development journey.
Extending his greetings to serving and retired officers across the country, the Vice President recalled the historic address of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who had described civil servants as the “steel frame of India.” He noted that generations of officers have upheld this legacy, acting as pillars of governance and as key agents of national unity and integration.
Highlighting India’s progress in recent years under the leadership of Narendra Modi, he referred to the guiding principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.” He pointed to major achievements such as large-scale poverty reduction, housing initiatives for the underprivileged, and targeted development programmes like the Aspirational Districts initiative and One District One Product scheme, emphasizing inclusive growth across regions.
Describing civil servants as the backbone of policy implementation, the Vice President stressed the need for integrity, commitment, and a strong focus on last-mile delivery to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He urged officers to ensure that the benefits of governance reach every citizen, particularly those at the margins.
Addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving technological landscape, he called on civil servants to continuously upgrade their skills and embrace modern tools. He highlighted the role of platforms like iGOT Karmayogi in capacity building and encouraged the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Blockchain to enhance transparency and efficiency in governance.
The Vice President also emphasized the growing importance of specialization within civil services, stating that the era of relying solely on generalists is changing. He encouraged states to adopt progressive recruitment strategies and strengthen institutional capabilities.
On ethics and leadership, he invoked the teachings of Thiruvalluvar, stressing that righteousness and moral conduct remain central to effective public service. He urged officers to uphold honesty and fairness, even under pressure, and to distinguish clearly between legitimate direction and undue influence.
Welcoming the increasing participation of women in civil services, he described it as a significant shift reflecting the rise of “Nari Shakti.” He noted that women’s representation has grown steadily in recent years, marking both numerical and cultural progress.
Pointing to the highly competitive nature of civil services examinations, with lakhs of aspirants vying for limited positions, he reminded officers of their privileged responsibility and called for greater engagement with teams and stakeholders to address governance challenges effectively.
Referring to recent initiatives like Sewa Teerth and Kartavya Bhawan, he said these symbolize dedication to service and duty. He concluded by urging civil servants to ensure that governance translates into tangible improvements in people’s lives, strengthening the values of equality, dignity, and justice across the nation.
The event was attended by several senior dignitaries, including Union Minister Jitendra Singh, senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, and top bureaucrats.