Civil service for Viksit Bharat in the vision of Sardar Patel and Ambedkar

The Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, termed civil service as the 'steel frame' of governance.

- BVR SUBRAHMANYAM & PS PUNIHA

This metaphor conveyed his belief that a robust and resilient administrative structure was essential for the newly independent nation. He was convinced that a strong civil service would maintain order, implement public policies, and ensure stable governance, even amidst the upheaval and challenges that accompanied independence and partition.

In his opinion, a merit-driven and powerful civil service would play a foundational role in the nation-building process and unify citizens. He recognised and articulated that civil servants would play a crucial role in ensuring stability, integrity, and effectiveness of governance in a country laden with challenges following centuries of colonial rule. He observed in the Constituent Assembly in October 1949: "I wish to place it on record in this House that if, during the last two or three years, most of the members of the services had not behaved patriotically and with loyalty, the Union would have collapsed... I must confess that in point of patriotism, in point of loyalty, in point of sincerity and in point of ability, you cannot have a substitute."