UPSC centenary celebrations ‘Manthan’ focus on future-ready civil services, innovation, constitutional values
The UPSC's 'Manthan' centenary celebrations in New Delhi focused on innovation, technology, and the role of civil services in building a Viksit Bharat.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially embarked on its 100-year milestone journey with the commencement of a two-day centenary celebration titled ‘Manthan’. Held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the event marks a century of the institution's dedicated service to the nation, bringing together top public officials and eminent experts to discuss the future of public administration and the evolving landscape of civil services.
A Vision for the Next Century: Trust, Transparency, and Technology
During the proceedings, UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar articulated a clear roadmap for the Commission’s future. He identified three core pillars that will guide the institution in its next phase: Trust, Transparency, and Technology. Chairman Kumar stressed that while institutions must remain agile and adapt to the rapidly changing global circumstances, they must never lose sight of the fundamental constitutional principles that define their role.
Role of Civil Services in Viksit Bharat
The first major session, titled “Role of Civil Services in Viksit Bharat,” was led by UPSC member Suman Sharma. This session featured high-profile discussions involving:
- Gen N S Raja Subramani (Chief of Defence Staff)
- Harsh Vardhan Shringla (Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and former Foreign Secretary)
- Sanjay Shrinet (Chairman, Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission)
Suman Sharma advocated for a transition toward outcome-driven administration. She argued that the success of a civil servant should be measured by the transformative impact they create on the ground, rather than just through financial expenditure or procedural compliance. She urged officials to move away from "procedural excuses" and instead focus on proactive facilitation.
Gen Raja Subramani addressed the necessity of breaking down departmental silos and the importance of decisive, problem-solving leadership in an era of rapid disruption. He specifically noted the growing importance of civil-military convergence in modern governance.
Highlighting the need for inclusivity, Harsh Vardhan Shringla suggested that recruitment efforts should expand into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, as well as aspirational districts, to bring younger talent into the fold. He invoked the principles of Antyodaya and Nishkama Karma, reminding public servants of their duty to serve the very last person in the queue.
Sanjay Shrinet focused on grassroots empowerment, noting that since the majority of the administrative machinery exists below the Group A level, reforms must empower these frontline executors. He called for a cultural shift from exercising "authority" to embracing "accountability," urging administrators to act as true Sevaks (servants) of the public.
Honoring the Constitutional Legacy
In a keynote address regarding the UPSC's status as a constitutional body, Ashok Lahiri reflected on the institution's historical evolution. He traced the journey from early patronage systems to the modern, impartial framework rooted in merit and fairness. The timeline highlighted key milestones, including the establishment of the Public Service Commission in 1926, the Federal Public Service Commission in 1937, and its eventual constitutional status in 1950.
Innovations and the Digital Frontier
The second session, “Innovations in Public Service,” was chaired by UPSC Member Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd). The session featured a keynote address by Shaktikanta Das, Principal Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister, who described the UPSC as the “gateway to public service.” Das lauded the Commission for its unwavering commitment to integrity and fairness throughout the selection process.
A major theme of the discussions was the integration of modern technology to streamline governance. Experts highlighted how Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, and advanced digital architectures could significantly reduce bureaucratic friction and optimize the delivery of essential services to the citizens of India.