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Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs has written to 24 states, urging the nomination of more IPS officers to fill CAPF vacancies, emphasising SP to IG levels.

Details

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sent a letter to 24 States, expressing concern over the insufficient number of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers nominated for central deputation. This shortage has resulted in numerous vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
• The MHA has requested that the States nominate enough IPS officers, particularly at the Superintendent of Police (SP) to Inspector General (IG) levels, to fill these vacant positions.

All India Services (AIS)

• The All India Services (AIS) includes three prestigious civil services: the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Police Service (IPS), and the Indian Forest Service (IFS). These services play a critical role in the administration of both the central government and state governments, ensuring efficient governance and implementation of policies across the country.

Historical Background

• The origins of All India Services can be traced back to the British colonial era, civil servants were initially appointed by the Court of Directors of the British East India Company. Known as the 'Covenanted Civil Service', it evolved into the Indian Civil Service (ICS).
• After India gained independence in 1947, the ICS was replaced by the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police (IP) by the Indian Police Service (IPS), both of which were recognized as All-India Services under the Indian Constitution. The Indian Forest Service (IFS) was later established in 1966.

The All India Services Act, 1951 empowers the government to establish rules regarding recruitment, conditions of service, and conduct of AIS officers. The All India Service (Conduct) Rules, 1968 prescribe the code of conduct for these officers, ensuring professionalism and integrity in service.

Governance and Regulation

• Cadre Controlling Authority: The central government serves as the Cadre Controlling Authority for all three All India Services. Each service is under the jurisdiction of specific ministries:
  • IAS: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
  • IPS: Ministry of Home Affairs
  • IFS: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Recruitment to the All India Services is conducted through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is the common entry point for IAS and IPS, while the Indian Forest Service Examination (IFSE) is conducted separately for the IFS. Since 2012, the preliminary examinations for IAS and IPS have been combined.

Nature of Work and Responsibilities

• AIS officers begin their careers with probationary training and progressively assume responsibilities based on their seniority:
  • District Level: Responsibilities include district administration, developmental affairs, and ensuring law and order.
  • Divisional and State Level: Officers engage in policy formulation, implementation, and supervision of governmental programs.
  • Central Level: In deputation roles, AIS officers serve in central ministries or public sector undertakings, contributing their expertise to national-level initiatives.
• Cadre Allocation Policy: The central government introduced a new cadre allocation policy in 2017 aimed at enhancing national integration and ensuring a pan-India character of the services:

Deputation of All India Service (AIS)

• Deputation of All India Service (AIS) officers refers to the temporary assignment of officers belonging to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS) to organizations outside their cadre states or central government ministries. This process allows AIS officers to gain diverse experience, contribute their expertise to different roles, and foster inter-departmental cooperation.

Purpose of Deputation

• Skill Enhancement: Allows officers to gain exposure to different domains, enhancing their skills and knowledge base.
• Inter-Departmental Coordination: Facilitates collaboration between central and state governments or between different ministries and organisations.
• Career Growth: Offers opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Policy Implementation: Enables officers to contribute their expertise to specific projects or policy initiatives.

There are primarily two types of deputation:

• Central Deputation: Officers are temporarily assigned to positions in central government ministries, departments, or organisations.
• State Deputation: Officers serve in other states outside their cadre, typically in senior administrative roles.

The deputation of AIS officers is governed by rules and regulations set forth by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.  Deputation ranges from a few years to a maximum period, after which officers may either return to their cadre or seek extensions based on organizational needs and approvals.

Conclusion

• The deputation of AIS officers plays a crucial role in enhancing governance, fostering inter-departmental cooperation, and facilitating skill development. It is governed by strict guidelines to ensure transparency and efficiency in the administrative processes across central and state governments in India.

Source:

The  Hindu

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What are the key challenges in implementing the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2005-2009) for revamping the civil services in India? Analyse the major roadblocks and suggest strategies to overcome them.