Question

With reference to the Central Services, consider the following statements:

1. The Central Services are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Central Government.

2. Before independence, Central Services were classified into Class-I, Class-II, Subordinate, and Inferior services.

3. The Indian Foreign Service is the highest-ranked Central Service in terms of salary.

4. Group C and Group D services are gazetted services.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1, 2, and 3 only

Central Services in India

• Central Services refer to civil services whose members serve exclusively under the Union Government. They are distinct from All India Services and State Services.
• These services address the specialized needs of various ministries and departments within the Central Government.

Jurisdiction and Control of Central Services

• Central Services fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Central Government. This means that the Union Government is solely responsible for their recruitment, training, promotion, and disciplinary matters.
• Examples of Central Services include the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS), and Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS).

Historical Classification of Services (Pre-Independence)

• Before India achieved independence in 1947, the civil services were primarily classified based on their role, status, and recruitment origin within the British administration.
• The historical classification system included:
  • Class-I Services: These were the highest-ranking services, often recruited in England, and held senior administrative and executive positions. The Indian Civil Service (ICS) was the most prominent example.
  • Class-II Services: These were also superior services but ranked below Class-I, often filled by direct recruitment for specific roles or through promotions from subordinate services.
  • Subordinate Services: These encompassed clerical, technical, and lower-level supervisory roles, essential for the daily functioning of the administration.
  • Inferior Services: These included staff performing menial or semi-skilled duties.
• Post-independence, this system was replaced by the current classification of Group A, Group B, Group C, and Group D services.

Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Emoluments

• The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is one of the most prestigious Central Services, with its officers representing India in diplomatic missions and international organizations worldwide.
• While the basic pay scales for all Group A services, including IAS, IPS, and IFS, are determined by the Central Pay Commissions and are generally uniform at entry levels, IFS officers receive significant foreign allowances when posted abroad.
• These foreign allowances are provided to compensate for the higher cost of living in different countries, exchange rate fluctuations, and to ensure a lifestyle commensurate with their diplomatic roles.
• Consequently, the overall emoluments (total salary plus allowances) of IFS officers, especially those in high-cost foreign postings, can significantly exceed those of officers in many other services, potentially making it the highest-compensated Central Service in terms of total package.

Classification of Services (Post-Independence) and Gazetted Status

• After India's independence, the civil services were reclassified into four main categories: Group A, Group B, Group C, and Group D.
• Group A Services: These are the highest-ranked services, comprising officers who hold senior administrative and executive positions. All Group A officers are considered gazetted officers.
• Group B Services: These services typically involve middle-level managerial and supervisory roles. Many officers in Group B are also gazetted officers (e.g., Section Officers in the Central Secretariat Service, some Assistant Directors).
• Group C Services: These primarily consist of clerical and support staff. They are generally non-gazetted services.
• Group D Services: These are the lowest-ranked services, encompassing staff who perform manual or semi-skilled duties. They are also non-gazetted services.
• A gazetted officer is an officer whose appointment is formally published in the official government gazette (the Gazette of India for Central Government, or respective State Gazettes). They are authorized to attest documents and perform certain official duties on behalf of the government.

Key Distinctions for Competitive Exams

• All India Services (AIS):
  • Comprise the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS).
  • Recruited by the Central Government but allocated to various states.
  • Members serve both the Union and State governments.
• Central Services:
  • Members serve exclusively under the Union Government.
  • Examples include the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), etc.
• State Services:
  • Members serve exclusively under their respective State Governments.
  • Recruited by State Public Service Commissions (e.g., State Civil Service, State Police Service).