New Delhi: Senior IAS officer and managing director of Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board (DKVIB), K Mahesh, is among 35 officials conferred the first-ever Delhi chief minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation in Governance and Public Service Delivery.Other awardees include Shurbir Singh, former secretary of the power department; Jitender Yadav, managing director of Delhi Transport Corporation; Tapashya Raghav, CEO of the State Health Agency; and Ajay Kumar Bisht, special secretary in the services department, along with several other officers serving in Delhi government and its affiliated bodies.Mahesh was recognized for conceptualising and organizing Vastra Katha in 2025 — a fashion show aimed at promoting khadi in the capital by presenting India’s textile heritage through contemporary silhouettes. The event showcased hand-spun khadi and traced its evolution from the Vedic era to modern global fashion, highlighting the blending of tradition with innovation.Sunny Kumar Singh, district magistrate of New Delhi, received the award for innovation for setting up a citizen lounge at the DM’s office to facilitate the hundreds of people who visit daily for services requiring their physical presence.“This is the first time Delhi govt has instituted chief minister’s awards to inspire and encourage young officers and staff members to achieve excellence in public service delivery. It will go a long way in boosting the morale of govt servants,” Mahesh said.Chief minister Rekha Gupta and lieutenant governor TS Sandhu presented the awards at a function on Tuesday to mark Civil Services Day, observed on April 21.According to an office memorandum dated April 13, Delhi govt has instituted the Delhi Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation in Governance and Public Service Delivery to recognize outstanding and innovative contributions by officials across departments, autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings and universities under Delhi govt.The awards will be given annually in three categories: Group A, B and C officers, including IAS, DANICS and other cadres; personnel working in key sectors such as health, engineering, IT and environment; and officials serving in local bodies, autonomous organizations, PSUs and universities. A maximum of 10 awards will be conferred in each category.The memorandum stated that selection will be based on criteria such as implementation of innovative schemes, improvement in service delivery, handling of emergencies including natural disasters, and leadership in enhancing institutional standards and employee motivation.
