On Monday PM Modi addressed the 17th Civil Services Day in New Delhi encouraging civil servants to adopt the principle as "Nagrik Devo Bhava". He said that anyone can treat citizens like gods, especially in relieving grievances of the underprivileged. He strongly insisted upon last-mile delivery and inclusive development and asked officers to see themselves as nothing less than the builders of developed India, not mere administrators.

Modi said now that India is the most populous nation, it has to focus only on achieving 100 percent saturation concerning basic amenities. He stressed that civil servants will have to adapt to changes in public expectations and shifts in global dynamics. The prime minister said that the achievements so far must be surpassed manifold, setting higher benchmarks for progress.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of compassion and humane judgment in governance, empowerment in the domain of technology, especially in the wake of latest technological advancements. He urged the officers of the state to remain sensitive, listen to genuine voices from the underprivileged, and respond to their issues with empathy and urgency.

Use of Technology and Inclusive Governance

PM Modi emphasised the need for civil servants to become tech-savvy and to use technology while formulating and executing policy. “In the age of technology, governance is not about managing systems, it is about multiplying possibilities,” he added.

He insisted on the need for data-driven decision-making to ensure accurate design and implementation of policy. Adding that with rapid strides in artificial intelligence and quantum computing, a wave of new technology transformation would now come, beyond digital and information age, Modi urged civil servants to prepare themselves for this revolution that will serve the citizens and fulfill their aspirations. 

Reforms and Sectoral Developments

Modi mentioned that 25 crore people were lifted from poverty in the last decade. He re-emphasised the aim of the government to establish a poverty-free India and said efforts must continue to ensure improved nutrition and 100 per cent coverage of welfare schemes.

Referring to the rapidly changing international landscape, the Prime Minister noted with concern some challenges that include food, water, and energy security, especially for the Global South, the effects of natural disasters, pandemics, and cyber threats. He advocated for a localised approach to ensure resilience and be ahead in containing such crises. "Every time you prioritise integrity over convenience, innovation over inertia, or service over status, you propel the nation forward," he said.

Modi has emphasised the necessary reforms to the civil service that will enhance efficiency gradually. He called for accelerated and outward-looking attempts to reform in infrastructure, renewable energy, internal security, anti-corruption and again in areas like sports and the Olympics.

This event also involved the presentation of 16 awards to civil servants for their outstanding contributions to holistic district development, the aspirational blocks program, and innovative initiatives. 

Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, former Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das, Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan and Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, V. Srinivas were among the dignitaries present.