Context:
A probationary IAS officer is under scrutiny by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Rules on civil servants:
- All IAS, Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officers are governed by the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules from the time they join their respective services, and begin their probation period.
- Integrity and Devotion to Duty – According to Rule 3(1), officers must uphold absolute integrity and dedication to their duties at all times.
- Gifts and Benefits – Rule 11(1) regulates the gifts and benefits received by a civil servant.
- Acceptance of gifts is limited to those from near relatives, with strict reporting requirements for any gift exceeding Rs 25,000 to prevent influence on their duties.
- Also prohibits officers from engaging in any trade or business to maintain impartiality and prevent conflicts of interest.
- Unbecoming of an officer – Rule 4(1) states that officers must not use their position or influence to secure employment for any member of his family with any private undertaking or NGO.
- Property details – Rule 13 of the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules mandates that officers must annually submit property returns.
- Sub-rules added in 2014 states that officers should maintain high ethical standards, integrity and honesty; political neutrality; accountability and transparency; responsiveness to the public and courtesy and good behaviour with the public.
Rules for probationers:
- There is an additional set of rules that govern the conduct of officers during their probation period, which lasts for at least 2 years after selection to the services.
- IAS officers, in addition, are governed by the IAS (Probation) Rules during their probation period.
- Probation Conditions – Officers undergo training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie and at the end of 2 years, they must pass an examination to be confirmed in their service.
- Salary and Allowances – Probationers receive a fixed salary and travel allowance but do not have entitlements like an official car, official accommodation, or an official chamber with staff.
- Probationer Discharge – Probationers can be discharged, if found ineligible or unsuitable for the service by the central government, or lack essential qualities needed for the service.
- Enquiry Process – If disciplinary action is initiated against a probationer, a summary enquiry is conducted by a committee appointed by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
What is the aim of the programme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government’s education system and local communities.
(b) Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies.
(c) Strengthening India’s scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and technological power.
(d) Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them.
Answer: (b)
