Civil Services Day | 21 Apr 2020

  • Every year, 21st April is celebrated as the Civil Services Day by the Government of India.
  • It is celebrated as an occasion for the civil servants to rededicate themselves to the causes of citizens and renew their commitments to public service and excellence in work.
  • The date is chosen to commemorate the day when the first Home Minister of Independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel addressed the probationers of Administrative Services Officers in 1947 at Metcalf House, Delhi.
    • He referred to civil servants as the ‘Steel Frame of India’.
  • The first function on civil services day was held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi in 2006.
  • On this day, the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are presented to Districts/Implementing Units for implementation of Priority programme and innovation categories.
    • These awards bring together civil servants to connect with each other and learn the good practices being implemented across the nation in the field of public grievance.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

  • He was born on 31st October, 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat.
  • He was the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of independent India.
  • He played an important role in the integration of many Indian princely states to make an Indian federation.
    • At the time of independence, he played a key role in convincing several princely states to align with the Indian Union.
    • He also worked hard as a social leader for the independence of India.
  • Women of Bardoli bestowed the title ‘Sardar’ on Vallabhbhai Patel, which means ‘a Chief or a Leader’.
  • He is recognized as the real unifier of India for his colossal contribution to integrate and make India a united (Ek Bharat) and an independent nation.
  • He requested the people of India to live together by uniting in order to create Shresth Bharat (Foremost India).
  • He is also remembered as the ‘Patron saint of India’s civil servants’ as he established the modern all-India services system.
  • The Statue of Unity at Kevadiya in Narmada district of Gujarat was built in his honour.