STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: In yet another path-breaking decision, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh announced here on Monday, fixed ‘timeline’ for completing enquiry against IAS officers and other members of the All India Services (AIS) within a given deadline, in a time-bound manner.
Briefing about the DoPT (Department of Personnel and Training) decision, Dr Jitendra disclosed that the AIS (D and A) Rules, 1969 have been amended to provide specific timelines at different stages of the enquiry, with a view to complete the disciplinary proceedings against the members of All India Services in a time-bound manner.
As per the amended rules, Dr Singh elaborated that a time limit of six months has been fixed for completion of departmental enquiry and submission of report. In case, if it is not possible to complete the enquiry within six months for justifiable reasons to be recorded in writing, additional time limit not exceeding six months at one time can be granted by the Disciplinary Authority, thereby ensuring accountability for completion of enquiry. Further, 30 days’ timeline has been fixed for the delinquent officers to give his representation to the charge-sheet which can be extended to not more than 30 days by the Disciplinary Authority and, in any case, no extension will be provided beyond 90 days, he added.
Similarly, he said, a period of 15 days has been provided to send a representation on the advice of UPSC regarding the penalty to be imposed on the delinquent officer and for such representation also, no extension will be provided beyond 45 days.
Dr Jitendra said, this amendment in the All India Service Rules has been brought, in keeping with the spirit of the Modi government to ensure greater accountability and time-bound completion of every exercise undertaken in the course of governance. The new amendment in the Rules, he said, will certainly strengthen the culture of working within deadlines and timelines, without showing slackness in case an official is found incapable of performing to the expectation or accused of any unwarranted indulgence.
Meanwhile, Chairperson, Uttar Pradesh State Social Welfare Board (UPSSWB), Dr (Ms) Rupal Agarwal today called on Dr Singh and offered her assessment about the performance of various activities undertaken by the board. She also brought to the notice of the minister, acts of omission or commission by certain officials.
Dr Jitendra took a note of the issues raised by Rupal Agarwal. He said, the Modi government accords high priority to programs relating to upliftment of women, children and poor sections of the society. He also assured her that the issues raised by her will be brought to the notice of the concerned quarters.
