New Delhi: The Central Secretariat Service (CSS) – often called the administrative backbone of the Union Government – celebrated its 106th Kartavya Diwas with grandeur, cultural vibrance, and a reaffirmation of its core values of integrity, duty, and commitment.
Held in the national capital, the annual Foundation Day event brought together officers across ranks and batches, honouring the Service’s enduring contribution to governance, policy formulation, and inter-ministerial coordination.
Cultural Celebration Meets Institutional Reflection
The event opened with a colourful array of cultural performances by CSS officers, including dance, music, and theatre. A standout moment was a theatrical play on workplace harassment, which drew widespread appreciation for its sensitive portrayal and emphasis on inclusivity and ethical governance in the workplace.
The programme reflected the CSS’s conscious shift toward modern administrative values, promoting dignity at work, gender sensitivity, and workplace ethics.
Welcoming New Officers: The ASO Batch of 2024
A special segment of the celebration was dedicated to welcoming the newly recruited Assistant Section Officers (ASOs) of the 2024 batch. Their formal induction into the service marked the entry of a new generation of officers who will help shape the administrative future of the country.
Prime Minister Modi, Union Ministers Extend Greetings
The celebration was made more significant by the warm greetings and commendations received from top leadership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his message, lauded the CSS officers for their “quiet yet powerful role in strengthening India’s administrative machinery.” He appreciated the rebranding of the Foundation Day as Kartavya Diwas, calling it a “symbol of devotion to duty and integrity in public life.”
Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister J.P. Nadda, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary also extended greetings, highlighting the vital work of CSS officers in enabling policy execution at the highest levels.
Parvesh Verma Attends as Guest of Honour
While Minister of State (Personnel) Dr. Jitendra Singh could not attend due to official commitments, the event was graced by Shri Parvesh Verma, Cabinet Minister in the Government of NCT of Delhi, as Guest of Honour. In his address, Verma praised the CSS for “ensuring seamless coordination among ministries and helping deliver effective governance.”
He added that their silent, efficient service is key to realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
Commemorating Silver Jubilee of Historic Cadre Movement
The event also marked the 25th anniversary of the CSS officers’ relay hunger strike (2000–2009) – a pivotal movement that highlighted the need for cadre reforms and career progression. The remembrance served as a powerful symbol of the Service’s unity, resilience, and commitment to institutional justice.
A Renewed Commitment to Nation-Building
The programme concluded with officers taking a solemn pledge to uphold the values of Satyanishtha (Integrity), Kartavya (Duty), and Samarpan (Commitment) – pillars that define the CSS’s institutional culture and its ongoing service to the nation.
As the curtains fell on the 106th Kartavya Diwas, the message was clear: the CSS remains deeply committed to strengthening the governance architecture of India while evolving to meet the challenges of a dynamic administrative landscape.
