4.3. Competition and Specialist Knowledge for Senior Level Appointments

The task of policy making in government is complex and needs specialist knowledge of the subject. Under the existing system, the most senior level appointments in the Central secretariat as well as top field level posts are made from amongst the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers who are generalists.

♤ The First Administrative Reforms Commission, far back in 1969, had emphasized the need for specialization by civil servants as a pre-qualification for holding senior level posts. It suggested that all the Services should have an opportunity to enter middle and senior level management levels in Central Secretariat and selection should be made by holding mid- career competitive examination, which should include interview, to be conducted by UPSC.

♤ The Surendra Nath Committee (2003) and Hota Committee (2004) had also emphasized domain knowledge and merit as the basis for appointment to the posts of Joint Secretary and above.