Question

Consider the following statements regarding the All India Services:

1. The All India Services are controlled jointly by the Central and State Governments, with ultimate control vested in the Central Government.

2. Officers of the All India Services are appointed to various State cadres but cannot work in Central Services.

3. The All India Services Act, 1951, mandates that at least one-third of senior posts in these services be filled by promotion from State Services.
   Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
   

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1 only

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 1 and 3 only

All India Services (AIS)

• The All India Services (AIS) represent a unique feature of India's federal system, as they serve both the Union (Central) Government and the State Governments.

• Currently, there are three recognized All India Services:

  • The Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

  • The Indian Police Service (IPS)

  • The Indian Forest Service (IFoS)

Constitutional Framework and Creation

• Article 312 of the Indian Constitution grants the Parliament the power to create new All India Services. This requires a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) with a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

• The IAS and IPS existed prior to the Constitution's enactment, and the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) was constituted in 1966 under Article 312.

Control and Administration

• All India Service officers are recruited by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and are then allocated to various State Cadres.

• While serving in a particular state, they work under the immediate administrative control of the respective State Government. However, the ultimate control over their service conditions, disciplinary matters, and policy decisions rests with the Central Government (specifically, the Department of Personnel and Training under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions).

• This system of joint control, with ultimate authority vested in the Centre, is crucial for maintaining national unity and uniform administrative standards across the country.

Central Deputation for AIS Officers

• Contrary to a common misconception, officers of the All India Services are not confined to their respective state cadres. They are eligible for central deputation, which means they can be called upon to serve the Central Government in various capacities.

• This includes holding important positions in Union ministries, departments, and public sector undertakings, thereby facilitating cross-pollination of experience and expertise between central and state administrations.

Recruitment and Promotion Quota from State Services

• The All India Services are primarily filled through direct recruitment via the rigorous Civil Services Examination conducted by the UPSC.

• However, the All India Services Act, 1951, and subsequent rules (such as the IAS (Recruitment) Rules, 1954) mandate a specific quota for promotion from existing State Civil Services (SCS) and Non-State Civil Services (Non-SCS).

• Specifically, it is stipulated that at least one-third (approximately 33.33%) of the total number of senior posts in each All India Service in a state cadre must be filled by promotion of eligible officers from the State Civil Services. This provision ensures the inclusion of experienced state-level administrators into the AIS