Centre mulls change in UPSC cadre allocation
Allocation based on 3-month training period not rank.
HYDERABAD: The much coveted UPSC examinations will not be the last hurdle for aspiring candidates as per a new change proposed by the centre. Prime Minister Modi’s has suggested that services be allotted on the basis of one’s combined performance in the civil services exam and during the foundation period i.e. the 3 month training period after the result declaration and and not on the basis on one’s rank before the training period.
However, retired and senior officials state that it will just create an “unhealthy” atmosphere at the training academy and while the present system is unbiased and objective, the proposed one might bring forth discrimination along the grounds of religion or caste. Mr Somesh Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary to the government, (CT and Excise) said “UPSC has been following a standard system.
If we add the marks to the existing score during one’s training course, it won’t be objective because candidates might have different teachers, different strengths at extracurricular stories and most importantly professors might prefer candidates from their hometowns. It will just build a competitive environment and will affect the learning.” M. Padmanabha Reddy, retired IFS officer says, “The PMO’s suggestion has to be tested to know if it is a good or bad one. The allotment provision should not change on the basis of the suggestion as now it can be influenced by those heading the training. Most candidates find some or the other reason to serve in their home state but it should not be allowed.”
On the condition of anonymity, a candidate who cleared the IRS in 2017 said, “Most of the training academies are headed by officers, and their wards, having cleared the exam, will have a better chance at getting more reputed services. Moreover there are many candidates who write the exam in their mother tongue and then pick up other languages while on duty. If they are judged on the basis of it during their training, then all the hard work put in for the exam will be pointless.”