Centre's foundation course in All India Services unconstitutional: Chidambaram

To seek a change in the policy related to allocation of services and cadre for the selected candidates in All India Services examination, the central government wants them to undergo three-month foundation course before they join the services.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) wrote to all the cadre controlling authorities and asked for their comments on the possibility of probationers being allocated the service based on their performance during the foundation course.

"Firstly, the proposed change appears to be unconstitutional, as it is violative of Article 320. The selection for 'appointment' to the service, now done solely by the UPSC, will be affected by the FC marks given by the Executive government. I doubt if the proposed change can be implemented without amending Article 320," Chidambaram wrote on his blog on Wednesday.

"Secondly, anonymity and objectivity will be greatly affected. 'Preference' of the Executive government and 'subjectivity' will play a role in the allotment of Service and Cadre. Neither factor is desirable. There is a clear and present danger," he added.

Chidambaram further mentioned the lines written in the Article 320 of the Constitution of India. He wrote: "It shall be the duty of the Union and State Public Service Commissions to conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the Union and the services of the State respectively. Appointment to the services of the Union' is comprehensive and unqualified. It includes selection and allotment to the Service and to the Cadre.