State Government of Rajasthan Denies KK Pathak’s Transfer Request
State cites critical officer shortage; over a dozen senior bureaucrats already on deputation in Delhi
The Rajasthan government has implemented a strict policy limiting the deputation of IAS, IPS, and IFS officers to central government posts, responding to a severe shortage of administrative officers within the state. This decision follows the recent approval of central deputation for more than a dozen officers from the Rajasthan cadre.
State officials acknowledge that while central deputation can enhance officers’ professional experience, the current exodus is adversely affecting the implementation of essential state programs and day-to-day governance.
Recent Case: KK Pathak’s Transfer Request Denied
Last month, KK Pathak, Principal Secretary of the Personnel Department, applied for central deputation. Although the state government initially approved his request, it later reversed its decision, underscoring the pressing need to retain experienced officers within Rajasthan.
This reversal has established a significant precedent. Many other officers considering similar applications are now hesitant to proceed, given the government’s firm stance.
Why Officers Seek Central Deputation
Several factors drive officers to pursue central deputation:
Limited Key Assignments in the State: Officers who are not assigned significant roles within the state often seek more impactful positions at the central level.
Career Advancement: Deputation offers exposure to national policy-making, elite forces, and international collaborations.
Personal Reasons: Proximity to home states or family members working in Delhi also serves as a motivator.
Experts note that following political transitions, officers associated with previous administrations often seek deputation to avoid potential sidelining.
Officers Already on Central Deputation
Over the past six months, more than 35 IAS, IPS, and IFS officers from the Rajasthan cadre have been deputed to the central government.
Select List of Officers on Deputation
IAS Officers: V. Srinivas, Rajat Kumar Mishra, Tanmay Kumar, Naresh Pal Gangwar, Roli Singh, Rohit Kumar, Mugdha Sinha, Ashutosh A.T. Pednekar, Siddharth Mahajan, Gaurav Goyal, Anshdeep, among others.
IPS Officers: Rajesh Nirvan, Rajesh Arya, Binita Thakur, Satyapriya Singh, C. Santosh Kumar Tukaram, Lovely Katiyar, Deepak Yadav, and others.
IFS Officers: 12 officers, including Gobind Sagar Bhardwaj, Anand Mohan, Priya Ranjan, Harini V., and K. Balaji.
Reasons Behind the State’s Restrictions
Shortage of Officers
Rajasthan is facing an acute shortage of IAS officers. The central government approved only 19 new posts against the state’s request for 52 in the latest cadre review.
Overburdened Departments
Currently, 45 IAS officers are handling additional charges, and critical departments such as Panchayati Raj are operating without full-time secretaries. Even senior officials like Chief Secretary Sudhanshu Pant are managing multiple portfolios.
Upcoming Retirements
Approximately 33 senior officers are set to retire this year, with some having already exited. The state anticipates further staffing shortages if additional officers leave for deputation.
Centre’s Sufficient Resources
State officials argue that the central government already has an adequate pool of officers and that Rajasthan cannot afford to lose key personnel during this resource crunch.
Rules Governing Central Deputation
Under the Central Staffing Scheme:
Officers may express interest in central deputation between January 1 and 15 each year.
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the state government is mandatory before any central appointment.
Deputation is permitted only after nine years of service in the state cadre.
The standard tenure is five years, with a possible two-year extension.
Officers must return to the state after completing their deputation.
Key Implications
The Rajasthan government is prioritizing state governance requirements over individual career advancement.
Officers already on deputation will continue their assignments, but new requests are being closely scrutinized or denied.
