Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address India’s civil servants on April 21, 2025, in commemoration of the 17th Civil Services Day. This significant occasion will see the Prime Minister conferring the prestigious Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration. These awards are aimed at recognizing extraordinary and innovative achievements by district administrations and central and state government organizations in delivering effective public service.
Civil Services Day serves as an annual reminder for Indian civil servants to reaffirm their dedication to the welfare of citizens and their commitment to excellence in governance. This date holds historical importance as it marks the iconic address delivered by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the probationers of the Administrative Service Officers in 1947 at Metcalfe House, New Delhi.
The Prime Minister will release e-books chronicling successes in holistic district development and innovative governance practices. Additionally, a film showcasing award-winning initiatives will be screened as part of the ceremony. Fourteen awardees, selected from 1,588 nominations through a rigorous evaluation process, will receive trophies, scrolls, and monetary incentives of ₹2 million to support further public welfare initiatives or address resource gaps.
A day-long conference at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, will feature a plenary session on civil services reforms, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, and several thematic sessions focusing on key governance priorities. These include strengthening urban transportation, advancing health through Ayushman Bharat schemes, promoting nutrition via Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, and addressing development through the Aspirational Blocks Programme. Ministers, including those from health, women and child development, and urban affairs, will lead these discussions, emphasizing the role of innovative solutions in achieving India’s governance goals.
Senior officials from across the country, including secretaries, district collectors, and central service officers, will join this event. The focus will be on fostering inclusive development and recognizing the transformative role of India’s administrative machinery in tackling contemporary challenges while shaping the country’s future governance. Civil servants are encouraged to continually strive for professional integrity and leverage technological advancements to address the needs of marginalized communities.
