Shortage of IAS officers working with the Centre, says DOPT

According to a recent report from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to a parliamentary panel, there is a significant shortage of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers working with the Centre. The report reveals that the current number of IAS officers working with the Centre is only 442, whereas the required strength is 1,469 officers.

The report also states that the Central government has been facing a shortage of All India Services officers, such as the IAS and the Indian Police Service (IPS). This is due to a variety of reasons, including some officers being unwilling to come on Central deputation or states not relieving them due to shortages at their end.

The DOPT report notes that the total authorized strength of IAS officers comprises Senior Duty Posts and various reserves, such as State Deputation Reserve, Junior Reserve, Leave Reserve, Training Reserve, and Central Deputation Reserve. However, except for the Central Deputation Reserve, all other reserves are being utilized by the States. As a result, out of the prescribed Central Deputation Reserve of 1,469, only 442 officers are currently working at the Centre.

The report concludes that this shortage of IAS officers can have a significant impact on administration, and steps need to be taken to address this issue.