Finding a way to share IAS officers

News: The Union Government proposal to amend IAS Cadre Rules has attracted the opposition of various states.

What are the present rules for the deputation of cadre officers?

Why there is a decline in the number of officers who opt for central deputation?

1) Inadequate recruitment, 2) Comparatively better service conditions in the states

Generally, of the total cadre strength of the states, about 25-30% used to be on central deputation. But presently, less than 10% are working in various central ministries. According to reports, in states like UP, Bihar, Odisha Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the number is between 8-15%.

What steps should both centre-state initiate to work in harmony?

Deputation of officers: Both centre and state should work in a coordinated manner while selecting the officers. If the centre wants a certain officer and the state is not ready to give it, the Centre should respect their views, even though they have the power under cadre rules to do so.

Improve the working conditions of officers: Officers who opt for central deputation have many concerns like education of their children, transport and the higher cost of living in Delhi. The centre should sort out these issues. It can provide for a deputation allowance for the period of deputation in Delhi.

Dispel fears of states: The Centre should dispel fears of states about the misuse of central power.

Source: This post is based on the article “Finding a way to share IAS officers’ ” published in the Indian Express on 28th January 2022.