New Delhi (03.07.2021): The DoPT has advised the CBI to groom its officers to avoid the pernicious but easy path of extending the tenure of officers on the excuse of shortage of qualified personnel. Apart from creating job satisfaction, the DoPT advice implementation could lead to sterilization of the organization and prevention of development of any vested interests to a large extent.
The advice is contained in an order dated June 28. The DoPT order reads: “It would be preferable instead of seeking such extensions, a second officer in command acquainted with such cases, may suitably be groomed to understand the intricacies of cases, so that the officer whose tenure has come to an end can be relieved on time”.
“The Hon’ble Court should be accordingly briefed regarding the capability of the well acquainted and groomed officer, second in command, who can take over such cases where the officers in command are relieved after completion of their tenure,” the order adds.
Since Rules must ensure objectivity and neutrality, the Order says: “While passing on the reins of a complex case towards the end has its disadvantages, it is also important that rules that are meant to ensure objectivity and neutrality in cases are followed...In case of exceptions, of course, there is the option to extend tenures.”
Often states send IPS officers to central deputation for a fixed tenure. Given that there is a shortage of IPS officers not just at the central but also at the state level, states feel aggrieved when officers on deputation are not relieved after the end of their tenure and are motivated not to offer their officers to the Centre. So to maintain the balance between central and state interests, the DoPt advice is seen as a step in the right direction.
