Mamata Banerjee expresses concern over amending IAS (Cadre) Rules, writes to PM

The Centre, in its proposal to amend the IAS Cadre (Rules), has recently asked the state governments to send lists of IAS officers for central deputation

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed reservations against an amendment in the IAS (Cadre) Rules 1954, proposed by the Centre. The proposed change “unilaterally mandates the state government to make such number of officers available for deputation as prescribed under Central Deputation Reserve”, Mamata stated in a letter she wrote to Prime Minister Modi.

A change has been proposed in Rule 6 of the IAS (Cadre) Rules that concerns ‘Deputation of cadre officers’. Administrative sources add that with the change made, it will be possible for the central government to post on central deputation any IAS official working in the state, with the state having a limited say. The states will have to agree to nominate a certain number of officers for central deputation.

The chief minister’s letter states, “By insisting on officers to be made available for deputation through the proposed amendment, not only will the administration of states be affected but also it would become impossible to assess and plan the administration of a state by engaging such officers who form part of the Central Deputation Reserve, fraught with the uncertainty of their sudden deputation by the Centre.”

The amended rules, as stated in the chief minister’s letter, suggest that if there is a disagreement between the Centre and the state, the Centre gets to decide and the state will have to oblige in a given time frame. “By the proposed amendment, a proviso is also sought to be inserted proposing, inter alia, that in case of a disagreement between the Central Government and the State Government, the matter shall be decided by the Central Government and the State Government shall give effect to the decision of the Central Government within a specific time,” Mamata has stated.

Mamata has urged the Centre to reconsider the proposed amendment, which, as being considered, is likely to "affect the state-Centre positions in terms of taking such decisions". The proposed amendment, according to the chief minister, “seems to make a permanent dent in the spirit of cooperative federalism”. “I would beseech you to consider that the reciprocal spirit of interactive and consultative give and take, designed in the existing framework, should not be replaced by unilateralism,” the chief minister has urged, requesting PM Modi to withdraw, or not give effect to the proposed amendment.

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