A delegation of DANICS (Delhi Andaman & Nicobar Islands Civil Service) Officers’ Association led by its President, Shri Vishvamohan and General Secretary, Shri Balwan S. Jaglan, called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here yesterday and sought the intervention the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for timely promotion and cadre review of their services. The officers, most of them of senior level, posted on crucial administrative assignments in Union Territory areas of Delhi, Daman, Diu, Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep, explained to the Minister how they were performing their duties in arduous and difficult situations, but feeling disillusioned because of delay in their career progression. In a memorandum submitted to Dr Jitendra Singh, the officers pointed out that the administrative responsibilities in the Union Territories are shouldered by DANICS officers at cutting edge and middle levels. They are posted in different positions as DM / ADM / SDM, Special Commissioner / Special Secretary, Additional Commissioner / Additional Secretary, Deputy Commissioner / Deputy Secretary, etc. but, in spite of performing duties in onerous circumstances, they feel deprived of legitimate growth in career and therefore sought the intervention of the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).
The officers also expressed concern about acute stagnation in DANICS services which, they alleged, not only leads to financial loss but also denies the opportunity to grow in career. They alleged that, as against the prescribed 8 years, it is sometimes taking them as many as 28 years for induction into IAS. The example of this, they pointed out, was that the 1989 batch of DANICS officers is still awaiting induction into IAS even as 2008 batch officers have also become eligible by now. The officers complained that there is no career progression after 18 years, as a result of which, in the absence of timely promotions, many officers get superannuated in Rs.8700 Grade Pay itself without induction into IAS. The worst affected, they alleged, were the SC / ST officers, some of whom joined the service late due to age relaxation available to them. Requesting the Minister for his immediate intervention, the officers pleaded for justice and fair deal. Dr Jitendra Singh gave a patient hearing to the delegation and said that the civil services officers are a valuable instrument of governance in whichever capacity they serve and whichever State or Union Territory they are assigned to. He assured them that the DoPT will try to address their grievance as best as possible.