Row Over Central Deputation Of IAS Officers: Odisha Against Proposed Changes In Rules

Bhubaneswar: The proposal of the Central Government’s Personnel Ministry to amend the existing IAS Service Rules to ensure the availability of sufficient number of IAS officers for central deputation is being opposed by various states. The proposed amendments will give the Center more power in bringing in IAS officers under its disposal without much say by the state governments. Sources say that Odisha has conveyed to the center its difference to the proposal saying it will hamper the administrative machinery by abrupt changes.

The latest proposal by GoI to amend All India Service Rules, besides upsetting the existing balance in control that Centre & States exercised over these cadres, is also contrary to the current definition of Deputation. It requires willingness of the officer too; can’t be forced.

— Dr. Amar Patnaik (@Amar4Odisha) January 24, 2022

Commenting on the Issue, Member of Parliament from Rajya Sabha, and senior BJD leader Amar Patnaik has said that “The latest proposal by GoI to amend All India Service Rules, besides upsetting the existing balance in control that Centre & States exercised over these cadres, is also contrary to the current definition of Deputation. It requires willingness of the officer too; can’t be forced.”

Earlier, many states including West Bengal, Kerala, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh have opposed the proposal.