Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday gave a fresh directive to India’s civil servants, urging them to adopt the principle of “Naagrik Devo Bhava”—treating citizens with the same reverence as guests. Addressing the 17th Civil Services Day at Vigyan Bhawan, PM Modi called on officers to serve not just as government employees but as “architects of Viksit Bharat.”
“Just as we say Atithi Devo Bhava, we must follow Naagrik Devo Bhava. Listen to the poor, understand their pain, and make solving their problems your top priority,” PM Modi said.
‘India Setting New Global Standards in Governance’
PM Modi praised India’s transformation over the past decade, not just in terms of economic growth but also in governance, transparency, and innovation. Citing India’s G20 presidency, he highlighted the unprecedented outreach, with over 200 meetings in more than 60 cities. “This inclusive footprint reflects our holistic approach to global leadership,” he said.
He recalled how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on April 21, 1947, described civil servants as the ‘Steel Frame of India’, establishing the role of bureaucracy in a newly independent nation. “Today, that frame is laying the foundation for a Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Focus On Last-Mile Delivery And Inclusivity
Acknowledging India’s status as the world’s most populous nation, PM Modi stressed that delivering basic amenities to every citizen—especially those in remote areas—should be a national priority. “As citizens’ aspirations evolve, civil services must evolve too. We must remain agile, empathetic, and people-focused,” he urged.
He emphasized the importance of saturation in welfare schemes, ensuring no village, no family, and no citizen is left behind.
‘Policies Will Shape Next 1,000 Years’
In a visionary statement, PM Modi remarked, “The decisions we are making today are shaping the future for the next 1,000 years.” He said India’s progress hinges on extraordinary speed to meet extraordinary aspirations, particularly among youth, women, and the farming community.
He underlined that good governance should not only manage systems but expand possibilities, especially in the digital age.
Highlighting India’s G20 success, he credited janbhagidari (public participation) for turning it into a national movement that drew global recognition. “India is not just a participant; it is emerging as a leader,” he added.
PM’s Message to Civil Servants
Concluding his speech, PM Modi advised officers to stay connected to the grassroots, understand the problems of the underprivileged, and resolve them with sensitivity and urgency.
