Guwahati, April 20: At least 20 state government officials in Assam today were given the Chief Minister's Special Award for excellence in service on the eve of Civil Service Day here.

Deputy commissioners of Cachar, Kokrajhar and Biswanath Chariali were honoured for excellence in e-governance initiative.

Finance, information technology and education departments of the state government were honoured in the same category.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan of Kamrup (metro) office, Guwahati Municipal Corporation and deputy commissioner's office of Jorhat district were rewarded for best administration.

The deputy commissioners of Sivasagar, Nagaon, Morigaon and Tinsukia were given awards for innovativeness.

The agriculture department of Goalpara district, district administration of Kamrup (rural), planning and development department of Assam, social welfare department and deputy commissioner of Sivasagar were also honoured for their contribution.

This is the first time these awards were given by the state government in recognition of services of its officials.

The ceremony was held at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra auditorium. It was attended by chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, water resources and IT minister Keshab Mahanta, chief secretary V.K. Pipersenia, director-general of police Mukesh Sahay besides many officials from every district and department.

The officials vowed to work with dedication and honesty for the welfare of the state and society.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal appealed to all to work as a team for the state's development.

Many officers wore traditional dhoti kurta and some of them were seen taking selfies at the function.

The state will celebrate Civil Service Day tomorrow.