The coming of the new year also marks the commencement of the Kerala Administrative Service, set to provide youngsters with endless opportunities in administrative offices.
The government will kick-off the KAS on January 1st, 2018. This move has several implications for youth interested in careers in the government administrative services. Here’s what you need to know.
1. The origin of the KAS
Talks for a state-monitored administrative service began as early as the first Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by EMS Namboodiripad, the first Chief Minister of Kerala.
However, it was only until the third commission, chaired by EK Nayanar that a formal proposal was drafted, citing the need for an official state civil service. It mainly highlighted how such a service could be put into place. Even then, it took some more time for the KAS to come to fruition.
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It was only when the LDF came into power, that a drafting committee for creation of Special Rules was put into place. In fact, in its manifesto, it highlighted that KAS would be implemented. The principal sanction was given on January 4th, 2017, and soon after, the committee, which included several secretaries of the government, sat together to decide the various aspects of how the KAS would operate, from rules of recruitment to compensation, training, and basic terms and conditions.
“They also spoke to the various public departments involved to understand what would work best”, a government official told The Better India.
The cabinet finally approved the Special Rules on December 26th, 2017.
2. The people who will be selected
Under the rules for the KAS, 29 departments will reserve 10 percent of their administrative positions for KAS officials. The officials who will fill these positions will come from three streams—
1) Graduates from government-recognised universities.
2) Government employees who have been in service for the past two years.
3) Transferred officials from the 29 participating departments.
The Public Service Commission also suggested provisions for both the differently abled and transgenders. According to rule 15-A of the rules, four tests have been outlined to assess aptitude in the criminal judiciary, revenue, accountancy and office procedures.
3. Kerala Administrative Services—The Potential Implications
One of the main reasons for the delay of the KAS was due to friction from opposition and staff unions which raised concerns over the types of positions that would be available in the purview of the KAS, as well as the number of jobs that would come under the programme.
According to the government official, the main objective of establishing KAS is to “inject young blood” into the civil services.
“The opportunities that talented youngsters will have are great. They will find career growth, and will have higher chances of promotion”, he explains.
He goes on to add that previously, for selection into the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), deputy collectors were the ones mainly considered. With KAS, consideration for selection to the IAS becomes easier.
Posts follow a specific hierarchy: junior time scale, senior time scale, selection grade scale, and super time scale.
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Responsibilities will vary according to roles, and the officers will be deployed by the government to oversee various aspects of administration. The government official says it will bring with it a professionally trained middle management service, and ensure quicker delivery of procedures.
As the KAS gears up for its entry as part of the government, officers will hopefully be able to live up to the expectations of the people and create a positive impact for Kerala.
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