Nagpur: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, addressing the Arun Bongirwar Public Service Excellence Awards (ABPSEA) 2024 at the VANAMATI Education Centre in Nagpur on Sunday, urged public service officers to prioritize the welfare of citizens, even if it means bending the rules — provided it is for the greater good, not personal gain. “Don’t break the laws, but bend them to the last breaking point if it is for the good and welfare of the people and not for personal gains,” Gadkari advised.
The event was organized by the Arun Bongirwar Foundation in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra’s Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA).
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Sat 21 Dec. 2024
The ABPSEA awards, which honour state officers for their bold ideas and excellence in public service, commemorate the legacy of the late Arun Bongirwar, a former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. The awards are given to officers who have showcased innovation and delivered outstanding service while tackling significant challenges.
Gadkari praised Bongirwar as one of Maharashtra’s finest Chief Secretaries, noting his ability to make time-bound and transparent decisions. He appealed to Pravin Pardeshi, former Additional Chief Secretary and Bongirwar’s son-in-law, to document Bongirwar’s unique working style in a book, which could serve as an inspiration for young administrative officers.
This year’s award recipients included IAS officer and Satara Collector Jitendra Dudi, IPS officer and Deputy Commissioner of Police in Mumbai, Tejaswi Satpute, and Additional Collector of Pune, Sarita Narke. These officers were recognised for their significant contributions to public service, setting a high standard in their respective fields.
In his address, Gadkari emphasized the need for flexibility within the legal framework when necessary to address public welfare, urging officers to use their discretion wisely while ensuring the welfare of citizens remains the top priority. He also stressed the importance of timely decision-making and transparency in governance, pointing to Bongirwar as a role model for today’s officers.
The establishment of the Arun Bongirwar Foundation, which organises the awards, serves as a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to public service. Through the awards, the foundation seeks to inspire future leaders to follow in Bongirwar’s footsteps and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Arun Bongirwar Public Service Excellence Awards recognize the exceptional work done by officers who have demonstrated innovation, perseverance, and a commitment to public service. The three recipients of this year’s awards — Jitendra Dudi, Tejaswi Satpute, and Sarita Narke — have all made significant contributions to their respective fields and have set a high standard for others to follow.
The establishment of the Arun Bongirwar Foundation is a fitting tribute to the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to public service. By honouring his memory and recognising the achievements of outstanding officers, the foundation aims to inspire a new generation of leaders who will work tirelessly to improve the lives of the people they serve.
