Proposed Changes in IAS (Cadre) rules

January 21, 2022

The Government of India recently proposed to change the rules of appointing IAS officers. What are the changes? How are the officers appointed currently? Why were the rules changed?

Why were the changes proposed?

The changes were proposed by the Ministry of Personnel and Training on behalf of the Government of India. The ministry has stated that the states are not providing enough number of officers to be appointed centrally. It is mandatory for the states to contribute to the central deputation reserve. Because of this reason, there is shortage of officers at the centre.

How are the officers appointed currently?

The IAS officers are appointed based on the IAS Rules – 1954. The Rule (6) states that an IAS officer shall be appointed by the central government or state government or any other association or body of individuals or company. The body or association shall be substantially or wholly owned by the central government or state government.

What are the changes proposed?

The GoI has proposed to amend Rule (6). The central government wants to appoint officers proportionally. Proportional to centre and the respective state. The number of IAS officers to work at the centre from the state will be decided by the central government. The decisions are to be taken after consulting the state governments.

What are the concerns in the proposed changes?

The proposed changes may affect the administration of the state government. What if the officer is shifted to the centre while he is implementing or administrating programmes of the states? Currently, the Central Government asks the officers willing to go on deputation from the state government to central government.

Officers Consent is highly important

In either case the consent of the specific officer is important. Rule (6) also states that no officer shall be appointed to an organization without his consent.

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