PM Modi marks UPSC centenary, highlights institution’s role in India’s civil services journey

Recalling the history of the civil services and the role of prominent leaders, PM Modi referred to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his association with the civil service examination.

“When I was viewing the gallery, in 1920, Subhas Chandra Bose passed through this process, so all the information is there. I noticed that at that time, there was British rule, but they used to have papers in Sanskrit,” he said.

“Subhas Babu had written in the Sanskrit language. On this occasion, I will remember Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. They did not have the challenge of becoming free or independent, but they had the challenge of running the country,” PM Modi said.

Referring to Sardar Patel’s contribution to institution-building, the Prime Minister said, “The steel frame the country needed at that time, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had given that steel frame. He made this institution a main pillar of independent India and empowered it.”

PM Modi further said, "As part of this 100-year journey, a memorial, a postage stamp and a coin have just been released here. A compilation of 100 important case laws has also been released. I pay my respects to all the distinguished personalities associated with this 100-year journey and extend my best wishes to all of you. I was just visiting a small gallery that has been set up here. I would also urge all of you to visit it; it will take only 10-15 minutes, so please do take a look."

The UPSC completed 100 years on Oct 1. According to the Press Information Bureau, the commission’s institutional journey began on October 1, 1926, when India’s first Public Service Commission was constituted as an advisory body whose chairman and members were appointed by the Secretary of State in London.

Over the century that followed, the commission evolved in terms of its structure, status and responsibilities, eventually becoming an independent constitutional body.

The centenary programme witnessed participation of stakeholders from across the country, including chairmen and members of State Public Service Commissions, senior officers of the Government of India, academicians, UPSC officials and other dignitaries.

The event was part of a two-day programme organised by the UPSC on September 30 and October 1 to mark the completion of a century of its institutional journey.

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