17th National Civil Services Day:
The Prime Minister addressed civil servants on the occasion of the 17th National Civil Services Day (21st April 2025) and honored the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration (PMAEPA). On National Civil Services Day, the historic representation of women in civil services was highlighted, with 74 women officers comprising 41% of the 2023 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) batch. It is observed on 21st April each year to honor the dedication of civil servants. First celebrated in 2006, it commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s address to the probationers of Administrative Services Officers at Metcalf House in Delhi, where he referred to the civil servants as the “steel frame of India” on 21st April 1947. PMAEPA instituted to recognize outstanding and innovative work by officers of the Central and State Governments. All government officers and organizations are eligible.
