~ Sujitha Bodela
Civil Services is the one of the most sought after professions in the country. The exam to recruit people into civil services is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Civil services include a host of services like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Forien Service (IFS), Group A and Group B Central Services. In order to commemorate the services done by Civil servants, National Civil Services Day is celebrated on 21st of April. First National Civil Services Day was celebrated on April 21st, 2006.
Why should we celebrate a Civil Services Day?
Civil Services, as the name suggests are services done for the civilian population of the country. Civil servants are responsible for the public administration of the country. They help the government in implementing different policies and welfare programmes. Civil servants assist Ministries in framing sector specific policies too.
To recognize and reward them for their services National Civil Services Day is celebrated. On 16th of April, the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are presented. They are given to Districts or Implementing Units for implementation of Priority programmes and innovation categories.
The morale and purpose in giving these awards is to bring together civil servants. The celebration of this day is intended to connect civil servants with each other. This will be a platform to learn the good practices being implemented across the nation in the field of public welfare and grievance.
Why is it celebrated on April 21st??
April 21st is chosen as the day to celebrate Civil Services Day to commemorate the speech given by Sardar Vallabhai Patel. Sardar Vallarta Patel was the first Home Minister of India.
On April 21st of 1947, while addressing the probationers of Administrative services, he referred to Indian Administrative services as ‘Steel Frame of India’. Sardar Vallabhai Patel also lauded the administrative services for the important role they played in stabilizing the country after a horrendous partition of the country.
Must read:https://skchildrenfoundation.org/echoes-of-the-colonial-past/
