Narendra Modi's government proposes to cut IAS training period from 103 weeks to 75 weeks

NEW DELHI: The Narendra Modi government proposes to cut the duration of induction training for IAS officers from the existing 103 weeks to just 75 weeks. Based on recommendations of the Kiran Aggarwal committee, the time-period of the IAS professional course (Phase 1) is sought to be brought down by 5 weeks, that of IAS professional course (Phase II) by two weeks and district training by a whole 21 weeks.

The implementation of the proposal will require an amendent to IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954. The department of personnel and training (DoPT) on Friday sought the comments and views of all states and Union territories on the proposed amendment. In a communication addressed to chief secretaries, DoPT asked them to send in their responses latest by November 30, failing which it would be presumed that they have no objection to the proposed amendment.

The Kiran Aggarwal committee report, submitted to the government in February this year, had proposed to cut down the twoyear duration of induction training for IAS officers to around one-and-a-half years, citing the rising median age of entry (28 years) by when most have significant work experience and which makes reduced training period essential for increased potential years of service, and better access and delivery of information and knowledge due to advent of information technology. The committee also felt that one-year district train ing was unnecessary as maximum learning came via exercising responsibility through independent charges.

Apart from citing the introduction of mid-career training, the panel also highlighted how shorter probation would help to meet the shortage of junior-level IAS officers in most states.