Vice-President Stresses Last-Mile Delivery And Integrity On Civil Services Day Event

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday called upon civil servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity and commitment, stressing that public service must remain firmly focused on citizens’ welfare and last-mile delivery of governance. He was addressing officials at the 18th Civil Services Day event held at Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital. In his keynote address, the Vice-President highlighted the critical role of civil servants in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He urged officials to embrace the spirit of public service and ensure that governance reaches every section of society, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalised groups.

Radhakrishnan also referred to key government infrastructure such as Sewa Teerth, the new Prime Minister’s Office complex, and Kartavya Bhawan, the Central Secretariat complex, describing them as symbols of dedication, duty, and national commitment. He said these institutions reflect the values that civil servants must uphold in their daily work.

A central theme of his address was the importance of citizen-centric governance. The Vice-President emphasised that responsiveness to ground realities and efficient last-mile delivery are essential for ensuring that welfare schemes and government services reach intended beneficiaries without delay or dilution. He further urged civil servants to focus on creating meaningful and lasting impact through their work, noting that effective administration should translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives and contribute to broader societal development.

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The event, organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, was themed “Viksit Bharat: Citizen-Centric Governance and Development at the Last Mile.” It brought together senior government officials, policymakers, and experts for discussions on improving governance systems.

The inaugural session also featured an address by Minister of State Jitendra Singh and a welcome speech by Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan. A panel discussion followed, focusing on the role and effectiveness of civil services, with participation from representatives across government, industry, and policy institutions. Civil Services Day is observed annually to encourage civil servants across India to reaffirm their commitment to public service. The occasion traces its significance to April 21, 1947, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel referred to the civil services as the “steel frame of India,” highlighting their foundational role in governance.

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