The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, delivered the keynote address on the occasion of the 18th Civil Services Day at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today.

Extending his greetings, the Vice President conveyed his best wishes to all civil servants serving across the country, as well as to their retired colleagues. He recalled that it has been 79 years since Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of independent India, addressed probationers of the Administrative Services in Delhi, where he described civil servants as the “steel frame of India.” The Vice President noted that successive batches of officers have consistently upheld this legacy, serving as the backbone of the nation in its journey towards progress and prosperity. He described civil servants working across states as the greatest ambassadors of national integration and unity.

Referring to the transformative progress achieved in the last decade under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Vice President highlighted the guiding vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas.” He cited key achievements, including nearly 25 crore people being lifted out of poverty, the construction of over 4 crore houses for the poor, and the development of border villages as vibrant communities. He noted that women are playing a leading role in development, supported by initiatives such as Lakhpati Didis and Namo Drone Didis. He also mentioned flagship programmes like the Aspirational Districts Programme and One District One Product, stressing that no state or district should be left behind.

Commending civil servants as the true implementers of government policies, he said their dedication has been instrumental in these achievements. He emphasized that the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas must be experienced by every citizen.The Vice President underscored that India still has “miles to go” in its journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047. He called for sustained commitment, integrity, and a focus on last-mile delivery to ensure inclusive development and effective governance. Reiterating the Prime Minister’s vision, he stressed the responsibility of civil servants to ensure that no citizen is left behind.

In the context of a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the Vice President urged civil servants to continuously upgrade their skills and remain future-ready. He highlighted the importance of platforms like iGOT Karmayogi for capacity building and emphasized the role of technology in improving efficiency, transparency, and targeting of beneficiaries. He noted that technological advancements have helped reduce leakages and improve service delivery, while cautioning that welfare schemes must be carefully designed to reach deserving beneficiaries.

He stressed that the era of relying solely on generalists in the civil services is over and called for greater specialization. He also urged states to adopt forward-looking recruitment policies to strengthen governance.He encouraged civil servants to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Blockchain.

The Vice President quoted the Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar, noting that righteousness (aram) is the highest form of wealth, bringing both material prosperity and moral strength. He stated that true leadership lies in ethical conduct, especially in challenging situations. He distinguished between following legitimate guidance and yielding to undue pressure, urging officers to uphold honesty and fairness at all times.

The Vice President expressed satisfaction at the increasing participation of women in civil services. He noted that the share of women has risen from around 21% in 2016 to nearly 31% in the 2025 examination, with many holding senior positions today. He described this as a powerful reflection of Nari Shakti, marking not just a numerical change but a shift in mindset. He also expressed hope for similar progress in legislative bodies through the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

The Vice President noted the intense competition in civil services examinations, with 12 to 15 lakh candidates appearing annually and only around 1,000 being selected. Reminding officers of their privileged position, he urged them to remain conscious of their responsibilities towards the nation and its citizens. He urged them to maintain strong engagement with their subordinates to better understand and address challenges.

Referring to the recent dedication of Sewa Teerth and Kartavya Bhawan, he said these symbolize a deep commitment to service, duty, and dedication to the nation. He urged civil servants to ensure that their work reaches the remotest corners, transforms lives, addresses grievances, and empowers citizens, thereby strengthening the values of equality, dignity, and justice.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh; Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr. P. K. Mishra; Principal Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister, Shri Shaktikanta Das; Cabinet Secretary Dr. T. V. Somanathan; Secretary, DARPG, Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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