In an attempt to lessen fiscal woes, the cash-strapped Himachal Pradesh government is learnt to have proposed downsizing cadre strength of All India Services, including IAS, IPS, and IFS officers. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is reported to have initiated an exercise to streamline the administrative structure in order to reduce expenditure.
According to an official, the state govt has sent a proposal to the Centre seeking to reduce the sanctioned strength of IAS officers from 153 to 147. Similarly, a separate proposal to reduce the sanctioned posts of IFS officers from 114 to 83 is also in the final stage of consideration.
Besides, according to him, the state govt is also considering reviewing the cadre strength of IPS officers in the future.
As per a rough estimate, the annual expenditure on one IAS, IPS, or IFS officer is between ₹45 lakh and ₹50 lakh. The proposed reduction in cadre strength is expected to save the state crores of rupees annually that could be utilized for welfare schemes and development works.
Thus, this rationalisation is meant to stem the worsening fiscal stress following the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) by the Centre on the recommendation of the 16th Finance Commission. Following the discontinuation of the RDG, CM Sukhu had termed the situation as “extraordinary financial challenges.”
Behind this rationalization is the govt’s belief that better management of existing resources and effective utilisation of officers can ensure smooth administrative functioning.
It is not that this move was contemplated in haste, but the state govt conducted an in-depth study of all administrative, financial, and functional aspects before preparing the proposal and sending it to the central government for approval.
The govt’s move is being viewed as an important step towards good governance.
Get Latest Updates