IPS, IRS officers to be appointed as Secy, Addl Secy

In good news for non-IAS Group A bureaucrats, the Centre has set in motion the process of empanelling IPS and IRS officers for appointment as secretaries and additional secretaries in different ministries.
The posts of secretaries and additional secretaries are usually occupied by IAS officers.
Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha has written to secretaries of central government ministries and cadre- controlling authorities seeking nomination of officers for these posts.
"It is proposed to draw up panels of IPS, IFoS and officers belonging to other Group A services for appointment at the level of Secretary and Additional Secretary in the government of India," Sinha said in the letter.

The move will bring some cheer to officers of Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFoS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and Indian Information Service (IIS), among others. They have been objecting to service-related benefits enjoyed by those in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
A confederation representing these officers has also petitioned the Seventh Central Pay Commission seeking parity with IAS officers. The pay panel was divided on the issue of financial and career-related edge to IAS officers in its report submitted to the government in November.
Sinha said those officers who have completed a minimum of 30 years of service are eligible for empanelment as secretary, whereas for additional secretary the requirement is a minimum 25 years of service.

All concerned ministries and cadre-controlling authorities (like Finance Ministry for IRS, Home Ministry for IPS and Environment Ministry for IFoS) have been asked to send their recommendations by February 29 along with vigilance clearance from Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).