Context: The Center has proposed amendments to the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules 1954 in order to exercise greater control in central deputation of IAS officers.
Current Rules regarding Deputation:
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According to Rule-6 (1) of the IAS (Cadre) Rules-1954, “a cadre officer may, with the concurrence of the State Governments concerned and the Central Government, be deputed for service under the Central Government or another State Government or under a company, association or body of individuals, whether incorporated or not, which is wholly or substantially owned or controlled by the Central Government or by another State Government.”
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The Union government asks states to provide an “offer list” with officers of the All India Services which includes IAS, IPS and IFS officers willing to go on central deputation.
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The Rule-6 (1) of the IAS (Cadre) Rules-1954 further provides in case of a disagreement between the Center and the states that “the matter shall be decided by the Central Government and the State Government or State Governments concerned shall give effect to the decision” of the Center.
What is the Need of Amendment?
Various state/joint cadres were found to be not sponsoring an adequate number of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers as part of the central deputation reserve even though the personnel ministry had flagged the issue several times.
What are the proposed amendments?
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In its amendment, the Center has proposed to insert a provision in Rule 6 of IAS (Cadre) Rules, 1954, which stated that any IAS officer could be posted on central
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The actual number of officers to be deputed to the central government shall be decided by the Center in consultation with the state government concerned.
What are the Concerns with Proposed Amendments?
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The amendments could be misused.
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A sense of instability and ambiguity is likely to arise among the officers of the All India Services, who are posted at various important posts in various districts.
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The proposed amendment grants the Central government unilateral right to appoint AIS officers without the consent of the State government.
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There will be confusion in the discharge of official responsibilities by them and due to political interference.