Fresh focus on rotation, review of officers for probity

The Centre has reiterated the need for rotation of government officials in sensitive and non-sensitive posts to ''ensure probity''. Cabinet secretary PK Sinha, in a meeting with officials of several ministries last week, discussed mechanisms which must be adopted to ensure probity among government servants. If considered necessary and after a due process is followed, officers can even be retired from service where integrity is found to be doubtful or if they are ineffective in the post they hold.

A statement issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) on Monday said ''it has been emphasized that rotation needs to be carried out in respect of sensitive posts and non-sensitive posts''. It also suggested review and screening of officers under FR 56(J) within ministries. Under FR 56(J) of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, periodical review of officers is permitted for strengthening of administration. DoPT will monitor the implementation and obtain compliance from all ministries in this regard, the statement said.

''All ministries/departments are, therefore, requested to kindly look into the matter and carry out rotation in respect of sensitive and non-sensitive posts and FR 56(J). As this activity is to be completed in a time bound manner, it is requested that priority attention may be paid to it and inputs sent to the internal Vigilance Section at the very earliest,'' according to the statement.

Under FR 56(j), FR 56(1) or Rule 48 (1) (b) of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, ''the appropriate authority has the absolute right to retire, if it is necessary to do so in public interest, a government servant''.

As per these rules, the register of employees who are due to attain the age of 50/55 years or complete 30 years of service to be maintained. The register should be scrutinized at the beginning of every quarter by a senior officer in the ministry/department and a review must be undertaken.

Committees shall be constituted in each ministry / department / office, to which all such cases shall be referred for recommendation as to whether the officer concerned should be retained in service or retired from service in the public interest, according to the rulebook.