The Union government has called on states to significantly increase the nomination of women officers and those belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for senior positions on central deputation, stressing the importance of fair representation in national decision-making roles.
In a communication issued on December 10 to chief secretaries across the country, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) asked states to forward an adequate number of eligible officers from these categories for appointments under the Central Staffing Scheme and for roles as Chief Vigilance Officers in central public sector enterprises and other central government bodies. The ministry said such nominations were essential to ensure balanced participation at higher levels of administration.
The DoPT clarified that only officers who are unlikely to be recalled by their parent cadres for at least two years, particularly due to promotions, should be proposed. It also directed states to share complete details of any ongoing inquiry, complaint or proceeding that could have a bearing on an officer’s vigilance status at the time of nomination.
Highlighting the value of deputation, the ministry noted that movement of officers between states and the Centre plays a critical role in strengthening administrative capacity. It allows state-level experience to inform national policymaking while also exposing officers to broader governance challenges at the central level.
Referring to data related to the Central Deputation Reserve for IAS officers, the DoPT underlined that effective cadre management depends on states sending a sufficient number of officers to serve at the Centre. This, it said, helps ensure that every eligible officer gets at least one opportunity for central posting at the middle management stage.
The ministry also cautioned states against withdrawing nominations once recommended. It reiterated that officers who fail to join central deputation after being selected may face a five-year debarment from future central postings, including foreign assignments. The same penalty applies if a name is withdrawn after approval by the Civil Services Board. States have been asked to ensure that officers already under such debarment are not recommended again.
From January 1, 2026, the entire nomination process for Central Staffing Scheme posts, Chief Vigilance Officer positions and other deputation roles will be shifted to a dedicated online portal. Each year, the Centre seeks nominations for crucial posts such as joint secretaries, directors, deputy secretaries and vigilance heads, with similar instructions also issued to central government departments to recommend suitable candidates.
