Centre Seeks More Women, SC & ST Officers for Central Deputation

By: WE staff | Monday, 15 December 2025

• The Centre has asked states to recommend women, SC & ST officers for central deputation
• The action is expected to bring better representation in important central roles
• The letter was forwarded from the Ministry of Personnel to all state chief secretaries

The Centre has asked state governments to nominate women officers and officers from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) for central deputation to key positions in order to achieve better representation.

The Ministry of Personnel has requested the chief secretaries of all states to nominate only those officers who are not likely to be recalled for promotion during the two years.

The nominated officers would be considered for deputation under CSS and posts of CVOs in CPSEs and other central government organisations.

The CVOs act as an extended arm of the Central Vigilance Commission and are tasked with advising and assisting government bodies in vigilance and anti-corruption matters.

The ministry said an adequate number of women and SC/ST officers should be sponsored to ensure adequate representation. It also requested states to provide details of any inquiries, complaints or proceedings that may be pending and could affect the vigilance status of an officer.

The Ministry, however, expressed its feeling that deputation of officers from the states to the Centre is an essential factor in capacity building as well as for bringing state-level perspective into central decision-making while helping them benefit from national-level experience.

Referring to data available on Central Deputation Reserve (CDR) of IAS officers-which will decide on the number going on deputation to the Centre-the Ministry emphasized the need for proper cadre management through adequate deputations under the CSS.

The communication added that the process helps ensure that all eligible officers get an opportunity to serve at the Centre at least once at the middle management level.

States were also asked to ensure that officers whose names are placed on the offer list remain available for consideration throughout the year.

The ministry warned that withdrawal of an officer's name after recommendation may attract a five-year debarment from central deputation, including foreign postings.

It said the government debarred officers who do not join central deputation as directed by the Department of Personnel and Training, whether on account of personal reasons or refusal of state cadre to relieve them.