Irs Officers: Home Cadre Options

In India, it is generally uncommon for an IAS/IPS officer to be allocated their home cadre. However, there is a slim chance of this happening if the officer achieves a high rank, there are vacancies in their home state, and the officer listed their home state as their first preference. In other cases, the home state is typically not allocated to the candidate. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the Indian government allowed IAS and IRS officers to work from home, which proved successful. The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) is currently examining a proposal to make work-from-home a formal provision for these officers.

IAS and IRS officers may be allowed to work from home post-lockdown

The Covid-19 lockdown was the administration's first experiment with work from home, and it proved successful. According to a government officer associated with CARUNA, "Work-from-home as a practice was never quite adopted by the government sector even though it is very popular in the private sector... During the Covid-19 lockdown, the government of India, for the first time, was compelled to adopt the practice, and it worked."

If the government decides to institute work from home for IAS and IRS officers, it will need to create guidelines and specify how the provision can be availed of, how many times it can be availed of, and under what circumstances.

IAS and IRS officers have different roles and responsibilities. IAS officers are the administrative heads of most departments in the central and state governments, and they have more opportunities to help people directly and play a role in policy formation. On the other hand, IRS officers are responsible for tax administration, policy formulation, dispute resolution, and tax intelligence and enforcement. They also have more stability and work-life balance compared to IAS officers.

In terms of perks and facilities, IAS officers generally receive more benefits than IRS officers. IAS officers also have faster promotion opportunities and greater social standing and prestige. However, IRS officers may lead quieter lives with less political interference and more postings in metro or big cities.

While the possibility of IAS and IRS officers working from home post-lockdown is under consideration, it is important to note that generally, an IAS/IPS officer cannot get their home cadre. There is a slim chance of this happening if they achieve a very high rank, there are vacancies in their home state, and they have given their first preference as their home state.

Officers can request a transfer to their home cadre if their spouse is also an officer

Officers can request a transfer to their spouse's cadre if both partners are IAS officers. This is permitted in cases of inter-cadre transfer on grounds of marriage. The first attempt should be made to ensure that the cadre of the spouse accepts the officer. If both spouses' cadres do not accept either officer, the government will consider a transfer to a third cadre.

It is important to note that this kind of inter-cadre transfer is only possible if both spouses are IAS officers. It is not permitted if an IAS officer marries any other central/state/public sector undertaking employee.

Officers should also be aware that, even in cases of inter-cadre transfer on grounds of marriage, transfer to the home state is not allowed. However, there is a slim chance that an officer may be deputed to their home cadre if they have completed nine years of service. The maximum term they can stay in the home cadre in this case is five years, and generally not more than three years at a stretch.

The power to approve inter-cadre transfers on the grounds of marriage has been delegated to the secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Exceptional cases are referred to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

Officers can be transferred to a third cadre if neither spouse's cadre accepts the other

In the context of IAS/IPS officers, a cadre is a group of trained personnel who are able to assume control and train others. In the case of inter-cadre transfers on the grounds of marriage, the first attempt should be to ensure that the cadre of one spouse accepts the other spouse as an officer. If both spouses' cadres do not accept either of the officers, the government will consider transferring one of the spouses to a third cadre.

This kind of inter-cadre transfer is only possible if both spouses are IAS officers. It is not permitted if an IAS officer marries any other central/state/public sector undertaking employee. The power to approve inter-cadre transfers on the grounds of marriage has been delegated to the secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) is also the department that examined the proposal to allow IAS and IRS officers to work from home post-lockdown. The department is responsible for drafting guidelines to institute work-from-home as a formal provision for these officers and other government employees.

In summary, while it is challenging for an IAS/IPS officer to obtain their home cadre, it is possible for officers to be transferred to a third cadre if neither spouse's cadre accepts the other. This transfer process is specifically applicable when both spouses are IAS officers and involves approval from the DoPT secretary. Additionally, the DoPT is involved in exploring work-from-home arrangements for IAS and IRS officers, demonstrating their role in shaping the working conditions of these professionals.

Officers can request a transfer to their home cadre in cases of extreme hardship

In the case of extreme hardship, officers can request a transfer to their home cadre, but this is not guaranteed. Officers must provide verifiable documentation justifying the hardship request, such as a physician's letter, a letter from a fiancé(e), or a letter from a special education facility. The documentation must explain why the transfer to a specific location is necessary.

Additionally, officers must keep their managers and the Hardship Coordinator informed of any changes in their situation. The Hardship Coordinator is responsible for answering questions from managers and officers, reviewing the application package, performing qualification determinations, and preparing a recommendation for the approving official.

It is important to note that even if a hardship application is approved and the officer moves to their requested location, the mobility requirement remains in effect, and the officer may still be reassigned or detailed anywhere within the Service's jurisdiction as needed.

Officers can be deputed to their home cadre if they have completed nine years of service

A "cadre" is a small group of people who are specially chosen, trained, and organised for a particular purpose. In the context of the Indian government, a cadre refers to a state or community of states/union territories to which an officer of an All India Service can be posted.

The process of cadre allocation can be complex, and officers typically serve their entire careers in their assigned system unless they opt for deputation from the central government. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) plays a crucial role in cadre allocation and is responsible for examining proposals related to work arrangements for officers, such as work-from-home options.

While it is challenging to secure a position in one's home cadre, it is not impossible. Officers who have completed nine years of service and are seeking a transfer to their home cadre should be prepared to navigate the specific requirements and guidelines governing such transfers.

Frequently asked questions