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Rules Governing Civil Servants
Context:
The Centre recently formed a single-member committee under the DoPT to review all documents submitted by probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar for her civil services candidature.
Background:
- IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar’s Inquiry:
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- Committee: A single-member committee under DoPT to review Khedkar’s documents.
- Rules Governing Actions: AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968 and IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954.
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- Appointment Concerns:
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- Rank and Quotas: Secured IAS rank 821 in 2022 UPSC exams under OBC and PH quotas.
- Questions Raised: Validity of her appointment under these categories.
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- Alleged Misconduct:
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- Privileges: Seeking undue privileges as a probationer.
- Office Misuse: Using the District Collector’s ante chamber.
- Unauthorised Beacon: Using a red-blue beacon on a private luxury car.
Conduct Rules:
- Integrity of Services:
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- Rule 3(1): Officers must maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty.
- Rule 4(1): Prohibits using position to secure employment for family in private entities or NGOs.
- 2014 Additions: High ethical standards, political neutrality, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, courtesy, and good behaviour.
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- Probation Rules:
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- Probation Period: Minimum of two years, includes training at LBSNAA.
- Discharge Circumstances: Central government can discharge probationers for ineligibility, neglecting duties, or lack of necessary qualities.
Gift Acceptance:
- Rule 11(1): Gifts from near relatives or personal friends must be reported if exceeding Rs 25,000.
Consequences of False Information:
- Reservation and Validity:
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- Quotas: 27% OBC seats since 1995 and 3% PH seats since 2006.
- False Certificates: If OBC and PH certificates are falsified, Khedkar may be discharged.
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- Legal Framework:
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- DoPT Circular 1993: False information or certificates lead to discharge or dismissal.
- Legal Challenges: Potential court challenges, could continue in service during legal proceedings.
PH Status Dispute:
- CAT Order 2023: Questioned her PH status and required medical examination which she did not complete.
- Economic Background: Well-to-do background questioned her OBC (non-creamy layer) status.
Services and Rules:
- All India Services: IAS, IPS, IFS selected by the central government.
- Conduct Rules: AIS Conduct Rules, 1968 and CCS Conduct Rules, 1964 govern behaviour.
Rules Specifics:
- Political Neutrality: Officers cannot be part of or assist political parties (Rule 5).
- Public Statements: Restricted from making statements that criticise government policies or actions (Rule 7).
- Dowry Prohibition: Strictly prohibited from giving or receiving dowry (Rule 11 1-A).
Integrity and Consequences:
- Penalties: Major penalties for misconduct can include dismissal.
- Corruption Act: Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA) also applies, action often complaint-based.
Khedkar’s case underlines the stringent rules and potential consequences for IAS officers, highlighting the importance of maintaining integrity and ethical standards in public service.