Nashik District Collector Jalaj Sharma Honoured with Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2023

New Delhi – On the occasion of Civil Services Day, Nashik District Collector Jalaj Sharma was honoured with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2023. He received this prestigious award under the “Holistic Development of Districts” category for outstanding implementation of 12 flagship central government schemes and for his significant contribution to the all-round development of Nashik district.

The award ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhavan and organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, to mark the 17th Civil Services Day. Under Mr. Sharma’s leadership, Nashik made a national impact through effective implementation of key schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Nutrition Programme, Swanidhi Yojana, and PM Vishwakarma Yojana, among others. Recognizing this performance in national-level surveys, the Central Government conferred the award upon him.

The award includes a trophy, citation, and an incentive fund of ₹20 lakh, which will be used for the implementation of public welfare schemes and projects in Nashik district.

Civil Servants Are Agents of Change – PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while extending greetings on Civil Services Day, praised the work of administrative officials and encouraged them to continue their service. He described civil services as an “effective instrument of social transformation,” highlighting the importance of efficiency, transparency, emotional and technological intelligence, and innovation. Emphasizing the motto “Nation First – Always First,” the Prime Minister guided civil servants towards the vision of a developed India. On this occasion, he also launched a series of e-books featuring exemplary administrative initiatives from 2023–24.

Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh, Principal Secretaries to the Prime Minister V. Srinivas and Shashikant Das, Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan, and other senior administrative and civil officers were present at the award ceremony.

Collector Jalaj Sharma Visits Maharashtra Information Centre

Following the award ceremony, Collector Jalaj Sharma visited the Maharashtra Information Centre in Delhi, where he was welcomed with a bouquet by Deputy Director Amarjyot Kaur Arora.

Under Mr. Sharma’s leadership, Nashik district has made remarkable progress and earned national recognition. Despite challenges such as water scarcity, vast geography, and local constraints in the tribal-dominated district, effective execution of central government schemes was ensured.

Speaking about the achievement, Mr. Sharma said, “This award is a recognition of the collective efforts of the people of Nashik and the administrative machinery. By adopting the saturation approach, we ensured that every scheme reached its full potential, aiming to create a positive impact in people’s lives. This award will continue to inspire us.”

He emphasized the importance of tailoring central schemes to local needs. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and both central and state governments, he added, “The successful implementation of schemes in Nashik involved active citizen participation and tireless administrative efforts. This award gives us renewed energy and motivation for the future.”

Mr. Sharma also reaffirmed his commitment to effectively implementing the 100-day action plan centered on common citizens, as envisioned by CM Devendra Fadnavis.