New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Civil Services Day, released two digital coffee table books – ‘Holistic Development of Districts for Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration’ and ‘Select Innovations from Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration’. These publications showcase groundbreaking administrative initiatives and developmental milestones achieved by various districts and government bodies across India.
The Prime Minister presented 16 awards on this occasion, recognizing excellence in district development, the Aspirational Blocks Programme, and innovation among civil servants.
Recognition of Excellence in Public Administration
In a ceremonial event held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the Prime Minister conferred the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration to Central ministries, State governments, and District Administrations for their effective implementation of priority government programs and exceptional innovations in service delivery.
Prior to the award presentation, a specially curated film was screened highlighting the stories and impact of the award-winning initiatives, providing a glimpse into transformative governance practices.
Innovation in Nutrition Delivery: Poshan Tracker Honoured
In the Innovation category, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Mr Anil Malik, a 1991 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre, received the prestigious award for the Poshan Tracker – a mobile-based application used by Anganwadi workers to provide real-time data on the delivery of nutrition and childcare services. The tracker has revolutionized how nutrition services are monitored and delivered across India, ensuring accountability and better outcomes for children and mothers.
Two IAS Officers from Madhya Pradesh Honoured
Madhya Pradesh IAS officers Dr Rahul Haridas Fating (2012 batch) and Neha Meena (2014) received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration. Dr. Fating was recognised for impactful development work in tribal-dominated Barwani district, including initiatives like Mission Neev and Mission E-Guru. Neha Meena, Collector of Jhabua, was awarded for her innovative efforts to reduce malnutrition under the Aspirational Block Programme. Each award includes a trophy, citation, and ₹20 lakh for district development.
Jharkhand’s Gamharia Block Secures Top Honour in Aspirational Block Program
The Gamharia block of Seraikella-Kharsawan district, Jharkhand, was awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, 2024, under the Aspirational Block Program category. Deputy Commissioner Ravi Shankar Shukla received the award on behalf of the district.
Gamharia emerged as the top-performing block among 500 aspirational blocks across India – a testament to its significant strides in governance, infrastructure, and social indicators.
Aspirational Block Program: A Push for Grassroots Development
The Aspirational Block Program, launched by NITI Aayog on January 7, 2023, aims to uplift the quality of life in 500 underdeveloped blocks by accelerating socio-economic development. The program focuses on five key areas: Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Allied Services, Basic Infrastructure, and Social Development.
Through improved governance, data-driven monitoring, and focused intervention, the initiative has already begun to yield tangible improvements in backward regions.
Commemorating Civil Services Day: A Tradition of Dedication
Civil Services Day is a time for India’s civil servants to reaffirm their dedication to citizen service and public welfare. The day marks the historic occasion when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, addressed the first batch of Administrative Service probationers at Metcalfe House, Delhi, in 1947.
This year’s celebrations included a day-long conference at Vigyan Bhawan, bringing together officers, policymakers, and innovators committed to transformative governance and administrative excellence.
