PANAJI
More than a decade after the Supreme Court (SC) issued directions to all States; the Goa Government has constituted an independent Civil Services Board (CSB) to decide on the postings of the IPS officers.
Headed by the Chief Secretary, the board will give recommendations to the government on transfers and postings of the bureaucrats by ensuring a fixed tenure of at least two years for cadre officers and vetting any requests for premature and out-of-turn transfers.
To insulate the bureaucracy from political interference and to end its related frequent transfers of civil servants, the Supreme Court had in 2013 directed the Centre and the states to set up a CSB to consider transfers and postings of bureaucrats among others within three months. Following this, the Union Home Ministry had even issued directions to the States.
The four-member Board also includes Principal Secretary Finance, Principal Secretary or Secretary Home and Director General of Police.
As per the order issued by the Personnel department, the Board will make recommendations to the government on transfers, posting/allocation of works in respect of IPS Officers.
While making recommendations, the requirement of a minimum tenure of service as prescribed by the Government has to be kept in view by the Board.
“There shall be a minimum tenure of two years for IPS officers in the allotted posting. However, in the event of any pre-matured transfer due to unavoidable administrative reasons or health grounds, such proposal shall be referred to the CSB and a reasoned decision would be arrived at,” the order stated.
The Board is allowed to consider transfer of Officers before the tenure fixed by the Government based on the necessity and circumstances, which the Civil Services Board shall satisfy itself and to recommend the names of Officers to the Competent Authority for transfer before completion of minimum tenure with reasons to be recorded in writing.
Last month, the High Court had pulled up the Karnataka government over its failure to establish an independent CSB. The Apex Court had even asked the States to frame a policy prescribing a minimum tenure of service of civil servants.
