National Civil Services Day

In News 

• Every year 21^st of April is celebrated as National Civil Services Day.
  • Civil Service in our country comprises Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service, and a comprehensive list of All India Services and Central Services Group A and B.

National  Civil Service Day

• About:
  • The day is solely dedicated to India’s civil servants in various departments. 
  • It acknowledges the contribution of these officials in public administration.

• History:
  • On this day in 1947, India’s first Home Minister Vallabhbhai Patel had addressed the probationers of Administrative Services Officers at the Metcalf House in New Delhi.
    • Sardar Patel also laid out the rules and principles of good governance for the civil servants in his address.
    • He referred to administrative officers as the ”Steel Frame of India”.
  • First such function was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi in 2006.
• Objective:
  • To motivate and appreciate the work and efforts of Civil Service officers.
  • To evaluate the work of various departments under the civil services.
  • To felicitate and award the best working individuals and groups.
    • PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are presented on the day.
• Significance:
  • It is an occasion for the civil servants to rededicate themselves to cause of citizens and renew their commitments to public service and excellence in work.
  • It is also an occasion for all civil servants to transform governance and constantly try to implement public policies that will make the country ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant).

Related Constitutional Articles

• Article 309: Recruitment & conditions of service of persons serving Union or States.
• Article 310: Pleasure exercised by President of India on appointment & dismissal of Civil servants.
• Article 311: Dismissal, removal or reduction in rank of persons employed in civil capacities under the Union or a State.
• Article 312: Creation of one or more All India Services common to Union & States. 
• Article 315: Public Service Commissions for the Union and for the States.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875-1950)

• Also known as the Iron Man of India.
• Referred to administrative officers as ”Steel Frame of India”.
• Indian barrister & part of Congress during the independence struggle.
• First Deputy PM, Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Information & Minister of States.
• Played a significant role in the integration & political unification of India.
• Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world (182m), is a tribute to him.

Source:PIB