Concerned over a large number of senior post lying vacant in key ministries, departments, public sector undertaking and autonomous bodies, the department of personnel and training (DoPT) has now made it mandatory for them to initiate the proposal at least two months before a particular post falls vacant again. This will apply to all senior posts that require approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Highly-placed DoPT sources said more than 30 top positions were lying vacant, including in the boards of important PSUs. Some of the posts, sources added, were vacant for more than a year now. “Except in cases where the post is lying vacant on account of the matter pending in court the DoPT will have to be informed at least two months in advance,” a senior official remarked.
If the concerned ministry of department fails to do so it will have to send a “delay statement” giving detailed justification for the delay for not submitting the proposal for the approval of the ACC within the stipulated time.
According to the present procedure, the nodal ministry or department has to inform the DoPT about a vacancy. In turn, the DoPT then in consultation with the nodal ministry prepares a list of potential candidates. The concerned minister has to approve one from the panel shortlisted by DoPT which the issues formal orders for the appointment. ACC deals with all crucial and senior appointments in the government, PSUs and autonomous bodies.
Sources said the ACC, which includes even Prime Minister and the home minister, has taken a very serious view of the delay and this has been conveyed to all ministries and departments in writing by the DoPT.
“The government is very particular at this stage that work, particularly on development, infrastructure projects and basic issues like health, water, education and food should not be hampered as
some senior level post is lying vacant,” the official added.