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New Delhi. The central government is now strict regarding the recommendatory attitude of the officers. The government has seriously considered government officials seeking political aid while demanding inter-cadre transfer. The government has issued a memo in this regard saying that doing so is a violation of the existing rules. Also, disciplinary action can be taken for doing so. In a memo issued on December 3, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has said that government officials have been demanding multiple inter-cadre transfers, either on personal or medical grounds, in attached or external offices of various ministries and departments.
The memo issued by the government states that these demands are being received from government officers in the grade of Assistant Section Officers (ASOs) in the Central Secretariat Service (CSS), which is one of the Central Civil Services. It has also been said that the request of ASO is sent for consideration through Ministers, Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha MPs or other designated authorities.
The memo also states that such conduct is in contravention of Rule 20 of the CCS (Conduct Rules), 1964, which states that no Government servant shall further his interests in respect of matters relating to his service under the Government. shall not exert or attempt to bring any political or other outside influence on any superior authority to enhance
It has been told that the competent authority has taken the matter seriously. Everyone has been informed that if such acts are done, appropriate action will be taken including disciplinary action as per extant rules in all such cases.
According to senior bureaucrats, the demand for political intervention for transfers and postings is rampant in all governments. This happens from junior to senior officers. Even if the rules explicitly deny it. He says that many of these requests come verbally from political figures. It is not necessary that they should be on paper only.
KBS Sidhu, a 1984-batch Punjab-cadre IAS officer who recently retired as the Special Chief Secretary of Punjab, said this and a similar rule in the All India Service Rules have been in existence since its inception. However, instead of following it, it is violated more, he said.
Sidhu explained that the purpose of this provision is to ensure that an officer does not compromise on his neutrality and impartiality by getting the support of elected representatives or other political figures. He further said that the DoPT’s latest circular can deter humble people, but cannot put an end to a practice which is widespread.
