Rajasthan IAS Promotions Delayed for Four Officers; Ashok Gehlot Alleges Political Influence Behind Pending Appointments Despite UPSC and Centre’s Approval
A political storm has erupted in Rajasthan following former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s sharp criticism of the state government over the delay in promotions of four officers selected for induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from state services. Despite the promotions having been cleared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and formally approved by the Central Government, the appointments have reportedly remained pending for nearly a month, sparking heated exchanges between ruling and opposition leaders and raising questions about transparency in administrative processes.
Gehlot’s Allegations of Political Influence
In a public statement, Gehlot questioned why the state government had failed to issue appointment orders once the Centre had given its approval. He alleged that the delay suggested possible prioritisation of “favoured faces” or political considerations over merit and fairness. According to Gehlot, such actions undermine established rules and cast doubt on the impartiality of the selection process. He urged the government to immediately formalize the pending appointments to uphold administrative integrity.
The controversy has intensified because one of the officers awaiting promotion, Ajay Kumar Arya, is related by marriage to Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, fueling speculation that political sensitivities may be influencing the delay.
State Government’s Response
Senior BJP leader Rajendra Singh Rathore dismissed Gehlot’s allegations as unfounded and politically motivated. He challenged the former Chief Minister to present documentary evidence directly to the current Chief Minister if he had proof of wrongdoing. Rathore described Gehlot’s remarks as lacking logic and aimed at creating unnecessary controversy.
Promotion Process and Legal Background
Under service rules, approximately 15 percent of IAS positions in a state are filled through promotions from state services. The process involves:
Screening by a state-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary.
Interviews conducted jointly by UPSC board members and state representatives.
Final recommendations forwarded to the Central Government for approval.
This route of promotion has faced legal scrutiny in the past. In 2023, the Rajasthan High Court temporarily stayed promotions after a petition challenged the process. However, the Supreme Court later overturned the stay, upholding the system and clearing the way for promotions from state services.
Impact and Implications
Retired IAS officers have noted that once the Centre approves names, state governments typically issue appointment orders without delay unless procedural objections exist. The current pause has therefore raised speculation about political interference, potentially affecting morale among state service officers awaiting career progression.
With Rajasthan Assembly elections scheduled for next year, the issue has acquired heightened political significance. How the state government resolves the matter will determine whether the controversy remains a procedural dispute or escalates into a broader debate on governance, transparency, and political influence in administrative decisions.
