Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Bharat Mandapam, commending its century-long legacy of meritocracy and calling the institution a vital symbol of youth aspirations in building a 'Viksit Bharat'. Marking 100 years since the commission's inception, PM Modi released a special commemorative coin, a postage stamp, and a landmark judicial compilation to celebrate its role as the guardian of India's administrative framework. A Milestone Century of Public Service LeadershipAddressing a gathering of senior civil servants, former UPSC chairpersons, and young probationers at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on the historical evolution of the UPSC since its establishment as the Public Service Commission on October 1, 1926. Over the past century, the institution has transitioned from a colonial-era administrative apparatus into the constitutional cornerstone of sovereign India’s governance architecture. The Prime Minister highlighted that the UPSC stands as an unwavering symbol of fairness, transparency, and constitutional trust for millions of young Indians across every corner of the nation. By maintaining rigorous, merit-based selection processes across generations, the commission has consistently channeled the energy, intellect, and ambition of the country's youth into public service.Releases Marking 100 Years of Governance ExcellenceTo commemorate the milestone, PM Modi unveiled three flagship releases honoring the commission's rich institutional history:UPSC Centenary Commemorative Coin: A specially minted coin symbolizing 100 years of meritocratic civil service recruitment. Commemorative Postage Stamp: A dedicated postal stamp honoring the UPSC's enduring role in nation-building and governance.Judicial History Book: A comprehensive volume titled "100 Landmark Judgements — Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India," detailing critical legal precedents that have strengthened the constitutional independence of public service commissions nationwide. The release ceremony formed the culmination of a two-day national event, which included the "Shatabdi Samaroh — Manthan" conference featuring panel discussions on modernizing public administration, integrating technology in examinations, and training future-ready administrators. "Nation First, Citizens First": Adapting to Modern GovernanceIn his address, the Prime Minister urged current and upcoming civil servants to adopt the twin principles of "Nation First" and "Citizens First" in their day-to-day decision-making. He emphasized that as India moves toward its goal of becoming a fully developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, the bureaucracy must evolve from traditional regulatory mindsets into proactive facilitators of citizen welfare and economic opportunities.PM Modi also highlighted the expanding diversity within the civil services. In recent years, candidates from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, rural districts, and non-traditional educational backgrounds have achieved top ranks, demonstrating that the UPSC process reflects the socio-economic breadth of modern India. The increasing representation of women officers across central and state cadres was cited as a prime example of institutional progress.Technological Integration and Administrative ReformsThe centenary event also focused on civil service reforms required for the digital age. The Prime Minister spoke about how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) can streamline recruitment, enhance administrative efficiency, and remove bureaucratic hurdles for everyday citizens.Key governance focus areas highlighted during the centenary include:Digital Transparency: Continuous refinement of the examination and interview security protocols using modern digital frameworks to safeguard public trust.Specialized Competencies: Aligning recruitment streams with emerging national needs, including green technology, digital public infrastructure, logistics management, and cybersecurity.Capacity Building: Expanding post-recruitment training under initiatives like Mission Karmayogi to ensure officers maintain lifelong learning and domain agility.Vision for the Next Century of Public ServiceLooking ahead to the next 100 years, the Prime Minister called upon the UPSC to set global benchmarks in ethical governance and recruitment standards. He noted that civil servants chosen by the commission will be responsible for executing transformative national policy initiatives over the coming decades.The centenary celebration concluded with a call to young aspirants across the country, reiterating that the UPSC remains a bedrock of opportunity where talent and dedication can translate directly into serving the nation.
