Staffing issues
April 18 : The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has set a ceiling for the number of years officials can work on the personal staff of ministers. According to the new rule, a ceiling of 10 years has been prescribed beyond which an official may not be permitted to be appointed in the personal
staff of ministers, irrespective of level. This ceiling would be adhered to while processing cases for appointment of All-India Service officers as personal secretaries or officers on special duty.
A spate of babu heads will roll, but largely those in minor services but with major loyalties to mantris who matter. There are dozens of them who currently control mantris, but of course it helps that the United Progressive Alliance in its current avatar has only been around for six years. But the grand total of 10 years is bound to become a hindrance for the senior-most of ministers and their retinue.
Though nobody is saying anything directly, it looks like one of the possible targets of this draconian measure is Omita Paul. Currently Ms Paul is on the personal staff of the most senior of ministers, Pranab babu. If this law is indeed enforced, then Ms Paul only has one option, which is to become an adviser to the finance ministry itself. Should be smooth and easy. Once dada decides, he usually gets his way.
staff of ministers, irrespective of level. This ceiling would be adhered to while processing cases for appointment of All-India Service officers as personal secretaries or officers on special duty.
A spate of babu heads will roll, but largely those in minor services but with major loyalties to mantris who matter. There are dozens of them who currently control mantris, but of course it helps that the United Progressive Alliance in its current avatar has only been around for six years. But the grand total of 10 years is bound to become a hindrance for the senior-most of ministers and their retinue.
Though nobody is saying anything directly, it looks like one of the possible targets of this draconian measure is Omita Paul. Currently Ms Paul is on the personal staff of the most senior of ministers, Pranab babu. If this law is indeed enforced, then Ms Paul only has one option, which is to become an adviser to the finance ministry itself. Should be smooth and easy. Once dada decides, he usually gets his way.
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Jungle jobs
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said there will now be a separate department dedicated to wildlife and forests and a distinct one for environment — under the ministry of environment and forests. As of now the wildlife division is one of the many divisions within the environment ministry and is headed by environment secretary Vijai Sharma. The decision probably comes in the wake of the current crisis where tigers in reserves like Panna and Ranthambore are going extinct. There is now a new policy for wetlands in the country and a plan to stop mining in protected areas is on the agenda. More jobs for the jungle boys too?
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Work or perish
K.P. Raghuvanshi’s exit as head of Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has naturally led to a shake up in Mumbai Police. He has been replaced by Rakesh Maria, joint commissioner, crime. The ousted ATS chief, a 1980 batch Indian Police Service officer, will meanwhile cool his heels as additional director-general of police law and order. Himanshu Roy, joint police commissioner for law and order, is likely to replace Mr Maria.
So even as Mr Maria settles down to his new assignment, the message from Delhi is unambiguous: perform or perish. Even more so, after the rude wake-up call from the Maoists in Dantewada.
By Dilip Cherian
