New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation’s top bureaucrats at Vigyan Bhawan on Monday as part of the 17th Civil Services Day, celebrating the indispensable role played by civil servants in India’s journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
On this occasion, 16 prestigious awards were presented under three key categories: Holistic Development of Districts, Aspirational Blocks Programme, and Innovation in Public Administration. Each award includes a trophy, citation, and ₹20 lakh for district development.
PM Modi applauded the awardees and highlighted their commitment to impactful governance and grassroots transformation.
Awards for Holistic Development of Districts–
Prabhav Joshi (Collector, Rajkot, Gujarat, 2014 Batch): Awarded for promoting holistic district development with a special focus on sports infrastructure, Joshi’s initiatives reflect his aspiration to foster athletic talent and promote youth engagement through upgraded facilities.
Tarit Kanti Chakma (DM, Gomati, Tripura, 2017 Batch): Under his leadership-
- Over 4,500 children vaccinated through Mission Indradhanush
- 3.2 lakh children brought under Poshan Abhiyan
- Constructed 22,000+ houses under PMAY
- Distributed 3.8 lakh Ayushman cards under PM-JAY
- Enrolled 5,200+ beneficiaries under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
Swapneel Paul (DM, Tinsukia, Assam, 2018 Batch): Recognized for-
- Eliminating 1.53 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste via biomining & bioremediation
- Launching “Weed to Wealth” initiative, converting invasive water hyacinth into eco-friendly products
Ayushi Sudan (Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, J&K, 2018 Batch): Praised for-
- Free AYUSH medical camps
- Establishing STEM robotic labs in schools, promoting science education in remote areas
Keerthi Vasan (DM, Koraput, Odisha, 2018 Batch): Launched a unique voter awareness expedition involving first-time voters and officials from Deomali hills, Odisha’s highest peak, to encourage democratic participation across the state.
Athar Aamir Khan (2016 batch, District Commissioner of Kulgam, J&K): Received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration for his exemplary work in the district, especially in 2023. He credited the people of Kulgam for embracing holistic development. Khan described public service as a dedication to public welfare, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Dr. Rahul Haridas Fating (a 2012-batch IAS officer from MP): Recognized for his impactful developmental work in the tribal-dominated Barwani district, including initiatives such as Mission Neev and Mission E-Guru. He is currently serving as commissioner of Madhya Pradesh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board.
Awards for Aspirational Blocks Programme–
Ravi Shankar Shukla (DC, Seraikella, Jharkhand, 2012 Batch): Led land record modernization, improving transparency and land ownership accessibility for rural citizens.
Inbasekar K (DC, Kasaragod, Kerala, 2012 Batch): Focused on-
- Rural development
- Healthcare improvement
- Modernizing administrative systems
Rajarshi Shah (DC, Narnoor, Telangana, 2017 Batch): Launched Prajavani, Telangana’s first Mandal-level grievance redressal pilot, empowering citizens to directly raise local concerns.
Saju Wahid (DC, Ganganagar, Tripura): Created the Balika Manch, a monitoring network for girl students-
- Tracks school absenteeism from Class 6–12
- Prevents child marriage
- Has already saved 90 girls from forced marriages
Neha Meena (DM, Jhabua, MP, 2014 Batch): Recognized for improving indicators in-
- Social and economic development
- Healthcare
- Education
- Infrastructure in aspirational blocks of Jhabua
Awards for Innovation in Public Administration–
SCL Das (Secretary, MSME, 1992 Batch, A&N Cadre): Awarded for exemplary implementation of PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which offers-
- Skill training
- Loans up to ₹2 lakh
- Support for traditional artisans and craftsmen
Anil Malik (Secretary, Women & Child Development, 1991 Batch, Haryana Cadre): Honored for the POSHAN Tracker App-
- Monitors child and maternal nutrition
- Enables real-time service delivery via Anganwadi workers
- Tracks health indicators like stunting, wasting, underweight
Dr. Om Prakash (IAS, 2006, Rajasthan Cadre): As Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha, Assam, led education reforms through a unified approach combining:
- SSA (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan)
- RMSA (Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan)
- Teacher Education
Anuj Singh (DM, Moradabad, 2013 Batch): Awarded for his “Sugamya Pustakalaya” (Accessible Library) innovation-
- Aims to make reading material accessible to all
- Has held significant administrative roles in Banda, Bijnor, Gorakhpur, Hapur, Sitapur, and currently Moradabad
PM Modi’s Address: Vision for a Developed India
During his speech, PM Modi emphasized the transformational role of civil servants in India’s growth story. He praised their adaptability, dedication, and leadership in ensuring the seamless implementation of critical schemes and policies at the grassroots level. “Each of you are the torchbearers of Viksit Bharat. Your commitment determines the pace and direction of our progress,” the Prime Minister said.
Two Digital Coffee Table Books Released
Alongside the awards ceremony, PM Modi launched two digital publications:
- ‘Holistic Development of Districts for Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration’
- ‘Select Innovations from Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration’
These books capture outstanding success stories and administrative innovations from across India.
Visionary Governance
The 17th Civil Services Day 2025 proudly highlighted the impact of dedicated and visionary governance. From digital innovation to grassroots interventions, the awardees have set new benchmarks in service delivery and public welfare. Their remarkable journeys, now captured in newly released digital coffee table books, will serve as both a guide and a source of inspiration for future administrators across the nation.
