Brief Summary
The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Awards 2024 celebrated the achievements of district magistrates across India. The awards recognized innovative and impactful initiatives at the district level, focusing on improvements in areas such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and skill development. The event highlighted the importance of good governance in improving the lives of ordinary citizens and fostering sustainable development.
- Celebrated the work of District Magistrates in improving governance.
- Recognized innovative ideas and their impact on public life.
- Highlighted the importance of public service and integrity in governance.
Opening Remarks and Welcome
The Indian Express Group hosted the third edition of the Excellence in Governance Awards to celebrate the work of district magistrates across the country. The event was attended by Union Ministers, dignitaries, and representatives from various partner organizations. Raj Kamal Jha, Chief Editor of The Indian Express, emphasized that the awards recognize efforts to push the boundaries of the constitution in tangible ways, improving the lives of ordinary people. He also noted the interdisciplinary approach of the district magistrates, blending science, culture, sociology, technology, and economics in their work.
Selection Process Overview
The selection process for the Indian Express Excellence in Governance Awards involved multiple stages. Initially, over 450 entries were received from 29 states, covering 18 categories. PWC, the knowledge partner, conducted a thorough check on the parameters of impact on the public, sustainability, problem-solving, and people participation. Shortlisted entries were then verified through field reports by Indian Express reporters and editors. The final winners were selected by an eminent jury, including Wajahat Habibullah, Nupur Ra, KM Chandrasekhar, and Amarjit Sinha.
Jury Chair's Perspective
Wajahat Habibullah, the jury chair, discussed the criteria guiding the selection process. He emphasized that the awards recognize innovative ideas and their application in development policies, with a focus on public need and impact. Habibullah highlighted the importance of sustaining development activities and integrating them into the functioning of villages and districts. He also noted the significance of public involvement in the development process and the government's efforts to ensure policies are effective at the district level. The primary criterion was the extent to which the initiatives affected the lives of ordinary citizens, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi's principle of addressing the concerns of the most vulnerable.
Welcome Address by VI Goa
VI Goa, Chairman and Managing Director of The Indian Express group, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the significance of the awards in showcasing the work of district magistrates. He mentioned that the idea for the awards was discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who supported the initiative. Goa noted the record number of entries received, covering a wide range of categories, and emphasized the rigorous analysis and verification process. He congratulated the winners and expressed appreciation for their work and dedication to improving governance.
Address by Dr. Jitendra Singh
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, complimented The Indian Express group for starting the tradition of felicitating officers performing in a distinguished manner. He discussed the evolution of the role of district magistrates from revenue collectors to development commissioners, emphasizing the importance of public service. Singh highlighted the increased accountability and scrutiny faced by civil servants today. He also mentioned initiatives taken by the government to change the format of the PM Excellence Awards and provide central government stints for civil servants. Singh noted the demographic changes in civil services, with increased representation from various regions and a higher percentage of women.
Address by Ashwini Vaishnaw
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology, expressed his happiness at seeing young officers making a difference in people's lives. He emphasized that a district magistrate is an institution, inspiring trust and expectation. Vaishnaw shared an experience from his time as a district magistrate during the 1999 Super Cyclone in Orissa, highlighting the importance of disaster management and community involvement. He also discussed the need for developing trust between the government and society, which he believes is the essence of good governance.
Awards Presentation: Agriculture and Education
The awards presentation began with the agriculture category, recognizing the establishment of an international flower auction center in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, which helped farmers sell directly to domestic and international buyers. The education award was given to East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, for setting up an innovation lab with cutting-edge technology to improve STEM education.
Awards Presentation: Healthcare and Water
The healthcare award recognized the SVA initiative in Durg, Chhattisgarh, which addressed mental health and mobility issues through community health workers and awareness campaigns. The water award was presented for a conservation initiative in Churu district, Rajasthan, where over 5,000 water bodies were mapped and rejuvenated using GIS technology.
Awards Presentation: Skill Development
The skill development award was given to Kangpokpi district, Manipur, for Project Leu Cline, which provided livelihood skills to internally displaced persons in relief camps, enabling them to produce handicrafts, candles, and detergents.
Token of Appreciation to Dr. Jitendra Singh
George Vgis, Group CEO of The Indian Express group, presented Dr. Jitendra Singh with a framed front page of The Indian Express Edition from his birth date as a token of appreciation.
Awards Presentation: Startup and MSME, Gender and Inclusion
The startup and MSME award recognized the J pure initiative in Jajpur district, Chhattisgarh, which improved product quality and established sales outlets for local artisans. The gender and inclusion award was presented to Kendrapara district, Odisha, for engaging women in fish farming through the district's py culture initiative.
Awards Presentation: Disaster Management and E-Governance
The disaster management award was given to Balasore district, Odisha, for leading a multi-agency rescue operation following the June 2nd, 2023 train accident. The e-governance award recognized the Manipur e-District portal, which provides a single point of access to government services.
Awards Presentation: Energy and Sustainability
The energy award was presented to Gumla district, J, for equipping interior villages with a solar grid and providing solar lift irrigation systems. The sustainability award recognized the bamboo forestation-based economy and elephant corridor restoration program in Saga, Assam.
Awards Presentation: Law and Order and Swatchta
The law and order award was given to Karur district, Tamil Nadu, for resolving a caste dispute and restoring peace in Vti village. The swatchta award recognized Tinsukia district, Assam, for clearing legacy waste and becoming the first legacy waste-free district in the Northeast.
Awards Presentation: Chief Minister's Special Award
The Chief Minister's Special Award was presented to Kalaburagi district, Karnataka, for empowering communities through multi-sector initiatives, including the branding and marketing of kalaburgi Roi.
Conversation with Ashwini Vaishnaw
Anant Kinka, Executive Director of The Indian Express group, engaged in a conversation with Ashwini Vaishnaw. They discussed the changes in civil services, the role of technology in governance, and the importance of specialization. Vaishnaw emphasized the need for a strong value system and the ability to develop trust between the government and citizens. He also shared his views on artificial intelligence and its potential to empower district magistrates.
Rapid Fire with Ashwini Vaishnaw
During a rapid-fire session, Ashwini Vaishnaw shared his insights on various topics, including the challenges faced by IAS aspirants, the importance of financial understanding, and the most worrisome use of AI in governance (deep fakes). He advised IAS aspirants to live their own lives, focus on their aspirations, and have an open mind. Vaishnaw also expressed his admiration for Singapore's bureaucracy and emphasized the need to correct the English bias in services.
Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks
VI Goa delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the attendees, sponsors, and partners. He acknowledged the commitment and passion of government servants and their efforts to make India a better place. The event concluded with a group photograph featuring the winners, ministers, jury members, and sponsors.
