Civil Servants Are Nation Builders: PM Modi On Services Day

In a speech that spanned policy, technology and ethics, PM Modi reflected on the historical significance of the day, linking it to the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who had once referred to India’s civil services as the “steel frame” of the country. “Sardar Patel’s vision of an honest, disciplined and dedicated civil servant is more relevant than ever,” Modi said.

Laying Foundation For Next 1,000 Years

Framing India’s current moment as foundational, Modi said, “We are in the 25th year of the new century and millennium. The policies we create today will shape the next thousand years.” Citing ancient Indian scriptures, he stressed that success depends on effort, not just luck.

As the world evolves rapidly — technologically and socially — Modi warned that India’s bureaucracy must evolve too. “Even a child in your home makes you feel outdated. That's how fast the world is changing,” he remarked, highlighting how technology has redefined every sector and every expectation.

From Rule Keepers To Growth Enablers

In a significant shift from traditional bureaucratic roles, Modi emphasised that the role of civil servants has changed. "You are not just civil servants any more — you are the architects of New India," he declared. “The country no longer needs regulators. It needs enablers and facilitators of growth.”

He urged officials to focus on ease of compliance, cutting red tape and facilitating enterprise, especially in the MSME and startup sectors. “If a small nation offers better compliance systems, it will outcompete our startups. We must ensure that doesn’t happen.”

Modi praised the theme of this year’s Civil Services Day: “Holistic Development of India”. He said it reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive progress. The PM highlighted successes from the Aspirational Blocks Programme, citing dramatic improvements in health, nutrition and water access in districts across states like Rajasthan, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir and Jharkhand.

“These aren’t just statistics; they are a testament to what right intent, planning and execution can achieve,” Modi said.

A Decade of Reforms

Modi outlined the systemic reforms undertaken since 2014:

1. Over 40,000 compliances removed
2. 3,400 legal provisions decriminalised
3. 12 crore rural homes connected to tap water
4. 25 crore people lifted out of poverty

He linked these reforms to improved Ease of Doing Business rankings and growing global investment interest in India.

Embracing Future Technologies

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister called on civil servants to become tech-savvy and prepare for a future shaped by AI, quantum computing and advanced data analytics. “Governance is no longer about managing systems — it’s about multiplying possibilities,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of Mission Karmayogi and capacity building, noting that India’s civil services must become future-ready.

Addressing global crises — from climate change to cyber threats — Modi called for resilience planning at the local level. He stressed that India's policies must reflect the growing interdependence of domestic and international concerns, especially in the context of the Global South.

A Call to Reimagine Civil Services

The PM concluded with a call to reimagine the civil services and to accelerate reform across sectors — from infrastructure to sports to internal security. "No matter how technology-driven the world becomes, human judgment will always matter. Listen to the voices of the poor, understand their pain, and prioritise their solutions," he urged.

He ended on a personal and visionary note: “When I look at the little girl sitting here today, I imagine her being part of India’s leadership in 2047. That’s the future we are building. Let us dedicate ourselves to that dream.”