Deputation of civil servants: State fear crisis if deputation is done directly by Centre

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central government's move to amend the law to direct the deputation of civil service officers will take away the power of the states. If amended, the Central Government may compulsorily transfer any civil service officer to the Central Service.

The move comes after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blocked the state's chief secretary, despite a direct request from the Center to appear in person following the detention of a CB team, which came to probe Sarada chit scam, in West Bengal.

Currently, under the Election Act, only the Election Commission has the power to appoint any official as an observer. But that is until the election is over.

At present, Central Deputation cannot be applied for without the permission of the State Government. Even if the Centre allows it, the state needs to issue a release order. The deputation reserve is 40 percent of the cadre posts in the states. That is, the officials to be given up when requested by the Centre. All posts at the Centre, from Deputy Secretary to Secretary, are open. Eligible candidates can be recruited from any cadre or service. This can be through contract appointment. A person who retired from reliance was appointed as energy secretary earlier.

If the North Indians are ready to go for the central deputation, the state will not be able to stop it. With this, the implementation of the project will come to a halt. This is the reason why six states, including Kerala, oppose the amendment. Minister P Rajeev said that it is a violation of federal principles and the central amendment cannot be accepted.

As per IAS officers

1) Do not give deputation in the post for which no application has been made.

2) The consent of the officer should be mandatory

3) Or the education of the children will be in crisis

Officials prefer state service

1) The best officers are not available in the Central Service. Officials prefer the state service.

2) Up to Rs 30,000 is given as rent. This amount won't be given for central deputation as there are quarters.

Officer shortage in Kerala

The IAS cadre is 231 but there is a shortfall of 87. IPS needs 172 while 82 officers are less. The IFS cadre has only 62 but 107 officials are needed.

22 IAS officers are on Central Deputation, 2 on Inter-Cadre Deputation in other States and 6 on State Deputation under the State Government.

Of the IPS officers, 23 are on Central Deputation, one on Inter-Cadre Deputation and 2 on State Deputation.