(a) the details of vacant posts at diplomat’s level in his Ministry and
the reasons therefor;
(b) whether the Government would be able to achieve the target ofthe IFS
Expansion Plan by 2018;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in
this regard along with the achievements made so far; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to attract the brightest and best
talent to foreign service?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)
(a) There are some 25 diplomatic positions in Missions/Posts abroad currently
vacant. Officers have already been selected for 21 of these positions and are
in the process of joining their assignments. The selection process is underway
for selecting suitable officers for the remaining vacancies.
(b) Yes.
(c) Five tranches of the posts under the IFS Expansion Plan have already been
operationalised within the time frame.
(d) The recruitment to the Indian Foreign Service is through the annual
Combined Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service
Commission and the Service is able to attract some of the best talent from
diverse fields. On its part, the Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry
of External Affairs organizes and participates in a whole range of focused
activities and programs designed to foster greater awareness and stimulate
interest in the foreign policy issues including amongst the student community.