Bhubaneswar: “Civil service officers play a pivotal role in India’s development journey. The Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, famously described civil servants as the ‘steel frame’ of India, emphasizing their critical role in strengthening the country’s administrative framework. Civil services are the backbone of the nation’s overall success and excellence, serving as a laboratory for ideas, consciousness, and values that drive progress,” stated Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi while addressing civil service officers during the observance of “National Civil Services Day-2025” today.
According to an official press release, the event, organized by the Centre for Modernizing Government Initiative (CMGI) under the General Administration and Public Grievance Department, was held at the Convention Centre in Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.
Addressing administrative officers from various central and state government institutions via a video message, the Chief Minister highlighted that a key aspiration within the collective consciousness of the Odia people is the creation of a prosperous Odisha.
He stressed the importance of fully achieving goals in public welfare, ensuring that basic amenities such as housing, drinking water, electricity, and communication are provided within specified timelines.
The Chief Minister further noted that the current government is a people’s government, sensitive to their needs. Resolving the problems of the poor and helpless is a personal priority for him. However, he emphasized that issues should be addressed at the grassroots level as much as possible. To this end, field-level civil service officers must undertake concerted efforts with awareness, he urged.
In his address to the civil servants, the Chief Minister said, “Your knowledge, skills, and dedication are the envy of all. You are our valuable intellectual asset. Through your sincerity, hard work, and sacrifice, the dreams of our state and nation take shape in reality. Your cooperation and commitment serve as a bridge connecting the government with the public. With the coordinated leadership of political and administrative wings, I am confident that we will fulfill the aspirations of Odisha’s people and achieve the vision of ‘Samruddha Odisha’ (Prosperous Odisha) by 2036.”
On this occasion, he also wished the civil servants success in their personal and professional lives.
During the event, a development-oriented video was presented on behalf of the state government. It highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), emphasizing that this vision extends beyond modern infrastructure or construction. It underscored the need for government systems and employees to assist every citizen in realizing their dreams.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, who attended the program, delivered a detailed presentation on the theme “Fostering a Growth Mindset in Civil Services for Improving Governance.”
He stated that the 4.5 crore people of Odisha place their hopes and aspirations in the state government. To meet their needs, administrative officers must enhance their skills and knowledge, understand every aspect of administrative complexities, and provide services to the public in a simple, resolute, and efficient manner.
He expressed confidence that the vision of a developed Odisha for a developed India could be realized through the effective execution of these efforts. He further urged officers to leverage their capabilities, skills, and expertise to bring transformative changes to the development process, noting Odisha’s potential and the need to create an ecosystem that simplifies tasks and enhances public service delivery.
Anu Garg, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, delivered the welcome address and shed light on the theme, emphasizing the importance of civil service officers working collaboratively across sectors to deliver government services efficiently. She highlighted their positive mindset and work ethic as critical to achieving ambitious goals like ‘Viksit Odisha 2036’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’
Director General of Police, Y.B. Khurania, also participated, presenting on the importance of law in administrative services. He noted that the application of technical knowledge and skills has brought success in maintaining law and order, making Odisha a model for other states. He credited the state government’s cooperation and advancements in police modernization for these achievements.
Vineet Bhardwaj, Executive Director and Administrative Officer of CMGI , provided an introductory presentation on the program’s objectives.
Other notable participants included Principal Accountant General, Odisha, Bhubaneswar, D.B. Sahu; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Suresh Pant; Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Circle, Nirmaljit Singh; and Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Paramita Satpathy Tripathy, among others, who shared their views on the occasion of National Civil Services Day.
Administrative and civil service officers from various Central and state government institutions also expressed their opinions on the theme and the significance of the day.
Smita Rout, State Project Director of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, concluded the event by extending thanks to all participants.
