THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, APRIL 21, 2026

Emphasising that “with great power comes great responsibility,” Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday called upon civil servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity, commitment, and accountability while serving the nation, addressing the 18th Civil Services Day celebrations.

Extending his greetings to serving and retired officers, the Vice President recalled that it has been 79 years since Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel described civil servants as the “steel frame of India.” He noted that successive generations have upheld this legacy, acting as the backbone of the nation and as ambassadors of unity and national integration.

Highlighting India’s transformative progress over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he pointed to the guiding vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas.” He cited milestones such as lifting nearly 25 crore people out of poverty, constructing over four crore houses for the poor, and transforming border villages into vibrant communities. Flagship initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme and One District One Product, he said, ensure balanced development across regions.

Commending civil servants as the key drivers of policy implementation, the Vice President stressed that the benefits of governance must reach every citizen. He underlined that India still has “miles to go” in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, calling for sustained dedication, last-mile delivery, and a commitment to ensure no one is left behind.

In the context of rapid technological change, he urged officers to stay future-ready by upgrading their skills and leveraging platforms like iGOT Karmayogi. He highlighted the role of technology in enhancing transparency, efficiency, and targeted service delivery, while cautioning that welfare schemes must be carefully designed to reach the deserving.

Advocating a shift from generalist approaches to greater specialization, he encouraged states to adopt forward-looking recruitment policies and urged civil servants to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Blockchain.

Drawing from the teachings of Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar, the Vice President emphasised that righteousness is the highest form of wealth, underscoring the importance of ethical leadership. He urged officers to distinguish between legitimate guidance and undue pressure, and to uphold fairness and honesty at all times.

Expressing satisfaction at the rising participation of women in civil services — from around 21 per cent in 2016 to nearly 31 per cent in the 2025 examination — he described it as a reflection of Nari Shakti and a broader shift in societal mindset. He also expressed hope for similar representation in legislative bodies through the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

Noting the intense competition in civil services examinations, with lakhs of aspirants and only around 1,000 selections annually, he reminded officers of their privileged position and urged them to remain deeply connected with both citizens and their teams.

Referring to the recent dedication of Sewa Teerth and Kartavya Bhawan, the Vice President said these symbolise the spirit of service and duty. He called upon civil servants to ensure that governance reaches the remotest corners, transforms lives, and strengthens the values of equality, dignity, and justice.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary-2 Shaktikanta Das, Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan, and Secretary, DARPG Nivedita Shukla Verma, among others, were present on the occasion.