The government has asked all ministries to take prior approval of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) before appointing Officer on Special Duty as their personal staff.
Recently, while examining a case of appointment of OSD to a minister, it has come to notice that some ministries or departments do not process the cases related to their appointments as per procedures, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said in an office memorandum.
"Prior approval of the ACC is required for appointment in the minister's personal staff (other than Private Secretary) at Deputy Secretary and above level. Further, for appointments as Private Secretary, ACC approval is required for all levels," it said, asking the secretaries of all ministries to follow the instructions.
The DoPT's order is seen as an attempt to discourage ministers from appointing private persons, including their acquaintances, friends or relatives, in their personal staff. But, as per norms, private persons can be appointed as OSD to ministers if their names are approved by the ACC.
Meanwhile, Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla said one should not follow nepotism while seeking to appoint personal staff.
"I think it is good because one should not believe in nepotism. Why appoint one's children and relatives? I have no objections. I am very happy," she said when asked about her opinion on the order.
The Centre has also asked all departments under it to identify and ensure availability of deputy secretary or director-level officers who could be deputed to newly- appointed ministers as private secretaries.
