Central Secretariat in Turmoil; Seven-Year Officers Denied Promotions
Central Secretariat Service Faces Delay in Cadre Review and Promotion Stagnation
The Central Secretariat Service (CSS), often referred to as the nervous system of the government, is currently facing a significant delay in its 4th cadre review, which was due in 2018. This delay, resulting from prolonged procedural inertia and government inaction, has caused a cumulative delay of nearly seven years [1][2][3][4].
The delay violates official mandates requiring cadre reviews every five years, as per a 2008 Cabinet Secretary letter and a 2022 Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) memorandum [1][3]. The CSS Forum and CSS officers have raised strong concerns about the impact, highlighting that many under-secretaries have been waiting over 12 years for promotion to deputy secretary, despite a prescribed residency period of 5 years, and assistant section officers (ASOs) often face prolonged waits or denial of promotions beyond the normal timelines [1][3][4].
This stagnation in promotions and career progressions is having a significant impact on governance and public service delivery. The delay leads to acute officer stagnation and demotivation, while ministries grapple with manpower shortages that hinder the effective implementation of key developmental schemes. Lack of timely promotions and cadre restructuring contributes to administrative inefficiency, reduced morale among officers, and risks undermining the smooth functioning of government departments crucial to policy execution [1][3][4].
Meanwhile, in other news, the Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has stepped down mid-term. The abrupt handling of Vice-President Dhankhar's staff departure is seen as unseemly for a constitutional office of such stature, with the ruling establishment maintaining a deafening silence regarding his departure [5].
Elsewhere, babus in India are venturing into the podcast arena, sharing stories previously confined to office corridors. The Uttar Pradesh Police's "Beyond the Badge" podcast discusses ₹100 crore insurance fraud cases and UPSC toppers, while Haryana's HSNCB chief has launched a podcast series unpacking drug enforcement operations [6].
The rise of babus in the podcast arena is seen as an attempt to humanize bureaucratic processes and chase 'coolness' and narrative control. However, the reaction to these babus hosting podcasts has ranged from eye rolls to outright scepticism, with some questioning the appropriateness of civil servants becoming social media influencers [7].
The DoPT, responsible for personnel policy, is urged to ensure CSS officers are treated equally with other civil service members. The CSS is seeking parity, not privilege, in its demands for a more efficient and responsive government [8].
References: [1] India Today. (2023). CSS officers demand 4th cadre review. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/css-officers-demand-4th-cadre-review-1911661-2023-03-10
[2] The Hindu. (2023). CSS officers demand 4th cadre review. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/education/notebook-plus/css-officers-demand-4th-cadre-review/article66474059.ece
[3] The Indian Express. (2023). CSS officers demand 4th cadre review. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/education/css-officers-demand-4th-cadre-review-8681933/
[4] NDTV. (2023). CSS officers demand 4th cadre review. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/education/css-officers-demand-4th-cadre-review-3369023
[5] The Print. (2023). Vice-President Dhankhar's departure was hastened, says report. Retrieved from https://theprint.in/politics/vice-president-dhankhar-departure-was-hastened-says-report/1005360/
[6] Business Standard. (2023). Babus in India start podcasting. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/babus-in-india-start-podcasting-123031500049_1.html
[7] The Quint. (2023). Babus hosting podcasts: Eye rolls to outright scepticism. Retrieved from https://www.thequint.com/news/india/babus-hosting-podcasts-eye-rolls-to-outright-scepticism
[8] The Times of India. (2023). CSS demands parity, not privilege. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/css-demands-parity-not-privilege/articleshow/99486809.cms
- The CSS officers' call for a 4th cadre review, stalled since 2018, underscores the need for timely policy-and-legislation changes in the politics of general-news, as the persistent delay impacts governance and public service delivery.
- As the DoPT is being urged to ensure equality among CSS officers and other civil service members, the General news discusses the potential link between politics and the bureaucracy's role in creating, enforcing, and updating policies and legislation.
