**Executive Summary**
On April 21, 2026, Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan delivered the keynote address for the 18th Civil Services Day at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The address emphasized the role of civil servants in achieving the "Viksit Bharat @ 2047" vision through inclusive development, technological adoption, and ethical leadership. Key action items include the call for states to reform recruitment policies and for officers to transition from generalist roles to specialized expertise.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**National Vision and Progress**
* Civil servants are recognized as the "steel frame of India," essential for achieving a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
* Successes highlighted include lifting 25 crore people out of poverty and constructing over 4 crore houses for the poor.
* The "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas" vision serves as the guiding principle for inclusive governance.
**Technological Advancement and Skill Building**
* Officers are urged to move beyond generalist roles and embrace greater specialization to meet modern governance needs.
* Mandatory focus on upgrading skills through platforms like iGOT Karmayogi to remain "future-ready."
* Integration of emerging technologies is encouraged, specifically Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Blockchain.
**Ethics and Governance Standards**
* Emphasis on maintaining the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and fairness, especially under "undue pressure."
* The concepts of Sewa Teerth and Kartavya Bhawan are established as symbols of service, duty, and national commitment.
* A focus on "last-mile delivery" is required to ensure welfare schemes reach the most deserving and remote beneficiaries.
**Diversity and Inclusion**
* Women’s participation in civil services has seen a significant increase, rising from 21% in 2016 to nearly 31% in the 2025 examination.
* Initiatives such as the Aspirational Districts Programme and "One District One Product" are prioritized to ensure no region is left behind.
**Impact Analysis**
**Civil Servants (Serving and Probationers)**
**Impact**
They are identified as the primary ambassadors of national integration and the "steel frame" responsible for the nation's journey toward 2047.
**Action Required**
Officers must continuously upgrade their technical skills, adopt a specialist mindset, and maintain ethical conduct to resist external pressures while ensuring effective last-mile service delivery.
**State Governments**
**Impact**
States are identified as critical components of the governance framework that requires modernization to improve efficiency.
**Action Required**
States are urged to reform and adopt forward-looking recruitment policies to bring diverse expertise into governance.
**Women in Civil Services**
**Impact**
Reflecting the power of "Nari Shakti," women are increasingly holding senior positions and influencing national development.
**Action Required**
Continued leadership in development initiatives and participation in the shift toward higher representation in legislative bodies.
Key Entities Referenced
Viksit Bharat @ 2047: The national vision and strategic roadmap for India to achieve the status of a developed nation by its centenary of independence.
iGOT Karmayogi: A digital platform designed for the capacity building and continuous skill upgradation of civil servants to ensure they remain future-ready.
Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam: Legislative framework aimed at increasing women's representation in legislative bodies, cited as a benchmark for gender inclusivity in governance.
Aspirational Districts Programme: A flagship government initiative focused on transforming and improving socio-economic indicators in underdeveloped districts across India.
One District One Product: An initiative aimed at fostering balanced regional development by promoting unique local products from every district.
Vice President's Secretariat
'With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility':
Vice President to Civil Servants at the 18th Civil
Services Day Celebrations in New Delhi
Rising Women in Civil Services Reflect the Power of Nari
Shakti and Changing Mindsets
Sewa Teerth and Kartavya Bhawan Symbolize Duty, Service,
and National Commitment
Need for Diverse Expertise in Governance; Vice President
urges States to Reform Recruitment Policies
Posted On: 21 APR 2026 3:17PM by PIB Delhi
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.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan delivered the keynote address on the
occasion of 18th Civil Services Day in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today.
Emphasising that India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047, the Vice President
called upon officers to maintain the highest… pic.twitter.com/SZyoLq6Vaf
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 21, 2026
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.Dear officers… Our journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047 is an on-going journey.
It is a vision of inclusive growth and development. : Vice President Shri C. P.
Radhakrishnan at the 18th Civil Services Day in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. pic.t
witter.com/V0vV8Cmzp7
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 21, 2026
***
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