Mamata Banerjee Revives Prestigious Medal Conferment for IAS Officers, Recognizing Excellence in Public Service
In a remarkable move aimed at recognizing outstanding public service, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reinstated the practice of conferring medals upon top-performing Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers. The initiative, initially introduced in 2014 but discontinued due to concerns within the civil service community, witnessed its revival as 11 deserving officers were honored during the Independence Day festivities held on Red Road in Kolkata.
The 11 IAS officers who received the prestigious Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Service were honored for their remarkable contributions across various domains. The list includes prominent figures such as B.P. Gopalika, the state’s home secretary, Vivek Kumar, the forest secretary, Manoj Panth, the finance secretary, and Prabhat Mishra, the irrigation secretary. N.S. Nigam, the health secretary, Sanghamitra Ghosh, the secretary of women and child welfare, SantanuBasu, overseeing power and information and cultural affairs, and P.B. Salim, the Managing Director of WBPDCL, were also among the esteemed recipients. The list further encompasses the district magistrates of North 24-Parganas, Howrah, and Birbhum, namely SharadDwivedi, Mukta Arya, and Bidhan Roy.
This renewed tradition of awarding IAS officers for their commendable work was inaugurated in 2014, but it faced discontinuation following concerns and debates within the civil service fraternity. Questions were raised regarding the potential divisions that could arise within the cadre due to the selective recognition of officers. Some noted that while certain officials, such as the panchayat secretary or health secretary, have ample opportunities to deliver public service, others in specialized roles like the science and technology secretary might not enjoy similar prospects.
An additional reason for the initial opposition to these awards was rooted in the concept of the bureaucracy’s immunity to regime changes. Awarding IAS officers was an unconventional practice, potentially impacting the notion of bureaucratic impartiality. Following the 2014 awards, discussions emerged, particularly in Delhi, raising concerns about the influence of state government recognition on central deputation opportunities.
The revival of this practice in the current year stands as a testament to the changing dynamics within the civil service community. The absence of questions and opposition can be attributed to the participation of senior officers among the awardees. Recognizing the significance of central deputation, senior officers realize the importance of state releases for their potential transfers. This realization has led to a more harmonious environment where deserving officers are honored for their contributions without the apprehensions that plagued the initiative’s earlier iteration.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to revive this practice not only honors the dedication and hard work of IAS officers but also underscores the importance of acknowledging and celebrating excellence in public service. The significance of these awards extends beyond individual recognition; it showcases the government’s commitment to valuing and promoting exceptional contributions to society.
The reinstatement of the medal conferment tradition for IAS officers in West Bengal is a noteworthy step towards recognizing and celebrating excellence in public service. By acknowledging the contributions of these officers, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not only honoring their dedication but also promoting a culture of recognition and appreciation within the civil service. This move also signifies the changing dynamics within the bureaucracy, emphasizing the importance of collective growth and recognition of exceptional contributions. As the tradition is revived, it marks a positive evolution in the relationship between the government and its dedicated officers.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 18th August 2023
