Question

Statement: The All India Services are common to both the Central and State Governments and are regulated by Parliament.
Assertion: The Central Government has ultimate control over the All India Services, while immediate control vests with the State Governments.

Which of the following is correct?

• A. Both the Statement and Assertion are true, and the Assertion is the correct explanation of the Statement.
• B. Both the Statement and Assertion are true, but the Assertion is not the correct explanation of the Statement.
• C. The Statement is true, but the Assertion is false.
• D. The Statement is false, but the Assertion is true.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Both the Statement and Assertion are true, and the Assertion is the correct explanation of the Statement.

Understanding All India Services (AIS)

• The All India Services (AIS) represent a distinctive characteristic of India's federal structure, where officers are centrally recruited but are deployed to serve under various State Governments.
• They are termed 'All India Services' because their members are recruited at a national level and are liable to serve both the Union (Central) and State governments, establishing a unified administrative framework.

Constitutional Framework and Regulation

• Article 312 of the Indian Constitution grants Parliament the authority to establish one or more All India Services that are common to both the Union and the States.
• The creation of a new All India Service requires a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha with a special majority (two-thirds of members present and voting).
• Parliament is responsible for enacting laws that govern the recruitment processes and conditions of service for individuals appointed to the All India Services.

Control Mechanism: A System of Dual Control

• The Central Government holds ultimate control over the All India Services. This encompasses:
  • Formulating policies related to recruitment (e.g., through UPSC examinations).
  • Establishing comprehensive service rules concerning cadre management, pay scales, promotions, and disciplinary procedures.
  • Serving as the final appellate and disciplinary authority.
  • Determining the allocation of officers to various state cadres.
• The State Governments exercise immediate and day-to-day operational control over AIS officers serving within their respective jurisdictions. This includes:
  • Assigning postings and transfers within the state.
  • Granting leave to officers.
  • Initiating disciplinary proceedings (although the final disciplinary action often rests with the Central Government).
  • Managing the operational duties and performance of officers on a daily basis.
• This system of dual control ensures a balance between maintaining administrative uniformity nationwide and allowing for responsiveness to the specific needs and contexts of individual states.

Significance and Historical Context

• The continuation of All India Services post-independence was crucial for preserving administrative unity and efficiency across India's diverse states.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister, was a staunch advocate for the All India Services, famously referring to them as the 'steel frame' of India.
• These services play a vital role in fostering inter-state coordination and upholding a consistent standard of administration throughout the country.

Current All India Services

• Presently, India has three All India Services:
  • The Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
  • The Indian Police Service (IPS)
  • The Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
• The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) was established in 1966 under the provisions of Article 312 of the Constitution.