Every year April 21 is celebrated as National Civil Service Day in India. On this day, civil servants dedicate themselves to the cause of citizens, renewing their commitments and excellence in work. The main objective of celebrating this day is to inspire the efforts and works of civil servants. Civil service is the backbone of the administrative machinery of the country. In India’s parliamentary democracy, they are responsible for running the administration along with the representatives (ministers) elected by the people.
Its origin is related to the year 1947 when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Home Member, Parliament inaugurated the All India Services on April 21. Addressing probationary officers at the All India Administrative Services Training School at Metcalfe House, Delhi, he delivered a powerful speech and empowered civil servants to leave behind past experience and embrace the true role of national service. Since then, every year April 21 was celebrated as National Civil Service Day.
On the occasion of National Civil Service Day, today the officers of the Central and State Governments are honored for their extraordinary work throughout the year. On this day, the officials together consider the plans for the coming years and express different views on them. On this day, the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are also given.