Question : CENTRAL STAFFING SCHEMES

(a) whether there is any proposal to overhaul the existing Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether instances of officer being posted to Departments which have no relevance to their earlier service/experience have come to the notice of the Government;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken thereto;

(d) the efforts being taken by DoPT to post officers to the Ministry/Department of their choice; and

(e) whether professional merit/ qualification is given weightage while posting them in a department and if not, the reasons therefor?

Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a): The booklet regarding guidelines relating to Central Staffing Scheme was issued on 05.01.1996 with the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Since then from time to time suitable modifications have been made by the ACC as per requirements. It is a dynamic process.

(b) to (d): The appointment of officers under the Central Staffing Scheme is done through Civil Services Board (CSB) procedure. Officers apply online for Central deputation under the Central Staffing Scheme in which an officer can indicate three Ministries/ Departments as her /his options. An offer list is prepared from amongst the officers whose applications are received under the Central Staffing Scheme looking at her/his record and vigilance status. A panel of officers for each vacancy is drawn up from the offer list in accordance with the procedure keeping in view the educational qualifications, service, experience, etc. Options of the officers are also given due consideration. Thereafter, the recommendation of the CSB is forwarded to the competent authority for appropriate decision. For appointment to the post of Joint Secretaries, approval of the ACC is taken. No such instance as described in question part (b) has been brought to the attention of the Department in the recent past.

(e): Yes, professional merit/qualification is taken into account while posting officers.