New Delhi: The Union Government has instructed state governments to give priority to women and officers from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) when nominating personnel for central deputation, aiming to ensure better representation in key administrative positions.
In a circular dated December 10, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) asked chief secretaries of all states to forward names of officers who are unlikely to be recalled for promotion within the next two years. The move applies to appointments under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) as well as the posts of Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) in central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) and other central agencies.
CVOs function under the Central Vigilance Commission and play a critical role in monitoring corruption in government departments. The DoPT communique emphasized the need to sponsor “sufficient names of women and SC/ST officers” to ensure their adequate representation at central decision-making levels. States are also required to provide details of any ongoing inquiries, complaints, or proceedings that could affect an officer’s vigilance status.
Highlighting the broader purpose, the Ministry noted that deputation of officers from states to the Centre helps strengthen capacities, facilitates knowledge exchange, and brings state perspectives into national-level decision-making. It also ensures that eligible officers get at least one opportunity to serve at the middle management level in central postings.
The circular further warned that officers who withdraw after being placed on the central deputation offer list could face a five-year debarment from such postings, including foreign assignments. “Withdrawal of the name of an officer after a panel has been recommended by the Civil Services Board results in debarment for five years,” it stated. States were also asked not to forward the names of officers already debarred.
The DoPT announced that from January 1, 2026, nominations for posts under the CSS, CVO positions, and other central roles will be processed through a dedicated online portal. Similar instructions have been sent to secretaries of all central government departments, urging timely and compliant recommendations for central deputation appointments, including positions like joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries.
This initiative reflects the government’s continued effort to promote diversity and inclusivity in senior administrative roles while strengthening institutional capacity across central and state administrations.
