Digital Desk: The Centre's proposed revisions to service rules governing IAS officials on the ground have sparked outrage across the country, prompting opposition-ruled state chief ministers to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking him to reassess his decision.
Following West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appealing him to reject the amendment that would change the deputation rule for the IAS officers.
What did Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot write to PM Modi?
Reportedly, Gehlot, in his letter, stated that the revision to Rule 6 of the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, 1954, will allow the Union government to call an officer on deputation without the consent of the official and the state government.
Gehlot said that the proposed change would impact the spirit of cooperative federalism.
He further stated that the decision would contradict the central and state governments' constitutional jurisdictions and stifle the spirit of working bravely and faithfully.
Gehlot asserted, quoting India's first home minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, "If you want an excellent all-India service, I recommend giving the services the freedom to express themselves. If you are a service recipient, it is your responsibility to allow your secretary, chief secretary, or any subordinates to express their views without fear of reprisal. You will not have Akhand Bharat without it."
What did Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel write to PM Modi?
Baghel expressed similar worries, urging the Prime Minister to reconsider the proposed revisions, claiming that they go against the spirit of cooperative federalism and, if enacted, might lead to the "collapse" of the states' administrative system.
According to Baghel's letter to the PM, the new rules may put officials stationed in states in a bind in carrying out their duties, resulting in an unstable scenario.
The Indian government has suggested changes to the All India Services Rules and requested states' input on the matter. The proposed revisions would allow the Centre to unilaterally post all India services officials on central deputation without the states' agreement or the concerned officer, which would be contrary to the federal ethos enshrined in the Constitution.
According to a PTI report, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has recommended modifications to the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, 1954, which would remove states' power to override the Union government's request for central deputation personnel.
Meanwhile, defending the Centre's move to amend IAS (Cadre) Rules, the Information and Broadcasting secretary Apurva Chandra stated that working with both the centre and state governments will broaden officers' perspectives and will advance the mission of the all-India services.
He stated that the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers cannot always be posted in states since it is inefficient for both the service and the officers.
"Working with the Indian government provides you with a unique viewpoint. For officers' personal development, serving in states and returning to the Centre (departments/ministries) is vital.
They will do better even in states and in following careers in the government of India." Chandra said to the reporters when asked about the controversy over the Centre's plan to change the IAS (Cadre) Rules 1954.
"You (IAS officials) have a provincial attitude if you stay in a state. After that, there is no distinction between state service officers and IAS officers. If you stay in state, what's the difference between a provincial service officer and an IAS officer except that you are promoted faster?" he added.
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