New Delhi, November 26, 2025 – Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today lauded the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as one of India's most important institutions, emphasizing its embodiment of transparency and impartiality. Birla's remarks came during the inaugural address of UPSC's two-day 'Shatabdi Sammelan' (Centenary Conference) held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The conference marks a monumental milestone in the Commission's 100-year journey of nation-building.
Birla commended the UPSC's century-long journey as a defining chapter in India's democratic and administrative evolution. He highlighted the commission's role in strengthening India's democratic structure by providing equal opportunities to talented individuals from diverse social and geographical backgrounds, all while upholding merit, integrity, transparency, impartiality, confidentiality, and accountability. He stated that the UPSC has set benchmarks not only for India but also for governance systems worldwide.
"UPSC truly represents India's diversity and inclusivity, as aspirants from varied backgrounds appear for the UPSC examination," Birla noted. "It is also the testimony of trust of people in the fair selection process of the institution". He observed that the Constituent Assembly, recognizing the need for independence and neutrality in public recruitment, enshrined UPSC's autonomy in the Constitution, a principle the commission has upheld with exemplary integrity.
Addressing the challenges of the future, Birla urged the Commission to continue evolving in response to emerging global realities like artificial intelligence, climate change, cybersecurity, and national security. He expressed confidence that the leadership emerging from the UPSC would continue to guide India's executive system with sensitivity, ethics, and a commitment to public service. "As UPSC enters its second century, it will continue to play a defining role in shaping the future of governance in India," Birla concluded.
Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, also lauded the UPSC as the "guardian of India's steel frame of governance". Singh highlighted the UPSC's role as a pillar of integrity, fairness, and transparency throughout India's pre- and post-Independence eras, serving as a silent witness to the nation's democratic journey. He recalled Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's description of the Civil Services as the "Steel Frame of India," asserting that the UPSC has lived up to the responsibility of safeguarding this framework.
Singh commended UPSC's 'Pratibha Setu' portal, which aims to create opportunities for candidates who cleared the Civil Services exam stages but did not make the final selection, connecting them with private sector and institutional openings. He called it "an innovative bridge between talent and opportunity,” ensuring that India's intellectual potential is leveraged for national development.
Birla also noted that UPSC has strengthened public trust in India's administrative systems. He expressed satisfaction that despite emerging challenges and debates around Constitutional institutions, UPSC continues to uphold the highest traditions of India's constitutional values, meritocracy, and fairness.
