Question

With reference to the All India Services, consider the following statements:

1. The All India Services are regulated exclusively by the Central Government.

2. Officers of the All India Services are appointed by the Union Public Service Commission.

3. Disciplinary action against All India Services officers can only be taken by the Central Government.

4. The salaries and pensions of All India Services officers are paid by the Central Government.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 2 and 4 only
• D. 1 and 3 only

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 2 and 3 only

Understanding All India Services (AIS)

• The All India Services (AIS) are unique civil services in India that serve both the Union Government and the State Governments.
• Officers of these services are recruited by the Union but their services are allotted to various State cadres. They can be deputed to either the Centre or the States.

Regulation and Control of AIS

• The Parliament of India has the exclusive power to create All India Services. This power is vested in Parliament under Article 312 of the Indian Constitution.
• The conditions of service, recruitment, and other aspects of AIS officers are regulated by laws enacted by Parliament and rules framed by the Central Government in consultation with the State Governments. Therefore, regulation is not exclusive to the Central Government alone, as Parliament plays a crucial role.

Appointment Process of AIS Officers

• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the competitive examinations, primarily the Civil Services Examination (CSE), for the recruitment of candidates to the All India Services.
• Upon successful completion of the examination and subsequent training, the candidates are formally appointed by the President of India.

Disciplinary Action against AIS Officers

• For major penalties like dismissal, removal from service, or reduction in rank, the Central Government (specifically, the President of India) is the competent disciplinary authority for All India Services officers.
• State Governments, where the officers are serving, can initiate disciplinary proceedings and impose minor penalties, but for major penalties, the approval and final decision rest with the Union Government.

Salaries and Pensions of AIS Officers

• The salaries of All India Services officers are primarily paid by the respective State Governments to which they are allotted and where they are currently serving.
• However, the pensions of AIS officers are generally borne by the Central Government, though State Governments might contribute a portion.

Key All India Services

• Currently, there are three All India Services:
  1. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
  2. The Indian Police Service (IPS)
  3. The Indian Forest Service (IFoS)