IAS Cadre Rules Amendment: What are the proposed changes- Watch Video

Centre and States are in contention regarding the proposed changes in the IAS Cadre Rules. The secretary of information and broadcasting Apurva Chandra stated, "This is not just a Centre-state issue; it needs to be viewed from the perspective of the governance of the country,” Chandra said. “It cannot be a question of individual comfort when the governance of the country suffers.”  

The Central Government has asked for state government responses to the proposed amendments to IAS cadre rules by January 25, 2022. 

IAS Cadre Rules: What are the proposed changes?

As reported in a leading daily Telegraph India, there is an ongoing rift between Nabanna and the Central Government regarding the deputation of IAS officers from Bengal. As the Centre is proposing changes to cadre rules, it may lead to a new rift between West Bengal and BJP.  As per the rules the IAS officers can be posted on central deputation with the concurrence of the state government concerned. Now the Government is proposing to also attach the following rule,  “Provided that each State Government shall make available for deputation to the Central Government, such number of eligible officers of various levels to the extent of the Central Deputation Reserve prescribed under Regulations referred to in Rule 4(1), adjusted proportionately by the number of officers available with the State Government concerned vis-a-vis the total authorized strength of the State Cadre at a given point of time.” 

Also if there is any disagreement in the governments the matter would be decided by the Central Government in consultation with the state government. 

What does Cadre Post & Deputation mean as per DoPT?

‘Cadre post’ means any of the posts specified under item I of each cadre in the schedule to the Indian Administrative Service (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Regulations, 1955. 

The Deputation of Cadre Rules states that-

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.

-Provided that in case of any disagreement, 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 Central Government. 

The states may oppose this move as the Centre would have a higher say in this proposed amendment and since it can unilaterally pick up any officer from the state, it would hurt their interests as well.