Currently, disciplinary proceedings against 36 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in State and Central cases are underway at various stages. Eight cases have been allowed for prosecution by the Centre in the past one year.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday in a written reply that the Central Government is the competent authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings against IAS officers for misconduct while working on matters pertaining to the Government of India. The Central Government is also the competent authority in respect of disciplinary proceedings initiated by the State Government.
The Minister said that the Central Government also considers proposals for sanction for prosecution against IAS officers for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act Act, 1988, subsequent to the completion of investigation and filing of charge-sheet.
He said the Department of Personnel, in exercise of powers conferred under sub-rule 3 of the Rule 16 of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, has prematurely retired “in public interest” four IAS officers since 2014.
In response to another question in the Lok Sabha, the Minister informed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered 139 cases against the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers over the last three years — from January 2014 to November 2017 — which are in various stages.
Maintaining that the government is taking various steps for minimising the chances of corruption in public services, the Minister informed the House that it included an amendment to the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, to include the provision of conclusion of enquiry and submission of report within a period of six months from the date of receipt of the order of the Inquiring Authority.
According to the Minister, the provisions for disciplinary action have been invoked or recommended against 72 Group A officers (including those belonging to IAS, IPS, IRS and IFS), and 125 Group B officers.
