In a recent report by the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law, and Justice, it was revealed that a significant number of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers did not file their annual immovable property returns from 2011 to 2022. The committee has asked the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to form a panel and mechanism to check the veracity of asset details filed by bureaucrats and examine the issue of non-submission of annual immovable property returns by public servants.

 

This is an important step towards promoting transparency and curbing corruption in the government. The accurate and timely submission of asset details by public servants is crucial in ensuring that there is no conflict of interest or illicit enrichment. It is also important to note that India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which mandates the State parties to establish and promote effective practices aimed at the prevention of corruption.

 

The DoPT, being the nodal department for anti-corruption, including matters concerning UNCAC, has a crucial role to play in ensuring compliance with these guidelines. The formation of a panel and mechanism to check the veracity of asset details filed by public servants is a crucial step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the government. It will also act as a deterrent against corruption and promote a culture of honesty and integrity among public servants.

 

Apart from this, the committee has also taken up the matter of posting of an All India Service (AIS)-Indian Foreign Service (IFS) couple at the same station and suggested framing of appropriate guidelines. While the DoPT has already formulated guidelines for posting husband and wife who are in government service at the same station, the committee has recommended that appropriate guidelines be framed for AIS-IFS couples as well.

 

The committee has suggested that the DoPT may consider allocating the AIS officer to Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre and post him/her in Delhi, or allocate him/her to the States contiguous to Delhi where the IFS officer remains posted for long periods. This will help in avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure that there is no undue advantage gained by the couple due to their posting.

 

In conclusion, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has an important role to play in ensuring that the asset details filed by public servants are accurate and verifiable. The formation of a panel and mechanism to check the veracity of asset details filed by public servants and the formulation of appropriate guidelines for AIS-IFS couples will go a long way in promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in the government. It is crucial that these recommendations are implemented in a timely and effective manner to ensure a corruption-free and efficient government.