LOYALTY ABOVE ALL

The recent empanelment of 1984 and 1985 batches of IAS officers to secretary level came as a complete surprise to many babus. It is for the first time that the Centre has done so, and some feel that by clubbing two batches together the government has deprived many deserving officers of a chance to be selected. But for obvious reasons, no one serving is willing to speak out.

However, some retired babus are not averse to speaking their minds, on behalf of their brethren. One retired secretary-level officer says that the government is changing criteria repeatedly to accommodate those officials who are close to the current political dispensation. Certainly, the list of secretary-equivalent officers has never been as long as the main list. Taking a peek at the near future, it is being said that some babus will serve under their juniors who were selected to the main list.

Around nine IAS officers, who have not been empanelled and working on Central deputation at additional secretary level, will return to their respective parent cadres or continue as subordinate to their same 1984 batch mate officers empanelled for secretary and secretary-equivalent posts in Government of India.