The state cabinet today approved the draft special rules for the proposed Kerala Administrative Service (KAS). The state administrative service proposes to build a second line of dedicated and efficient offices committed to implement government policies and programmes in more effective manner.
The KAS is being formed by setting aside 10% of the second gazetted posts in 29 select departments and that of common category posts.
Entry into KAS would be from three streams
Entry to the cadre would be from three streams.
The first steam would be the direct recruitment of candidates with a degree in any subject. Upper age limit for this stream would be 32.
Under the second stream, government employees with below 40 years and a university degree would be considered.
In the third stream, government employees in second gazetted posts in 29 select department and common category posts would be considered. The upper age limit for candidates from this category would be 50 years.
Rules regarding cadre strength and promotions
The government would reserve the right to prescribe the total cadre strength of the service by creating additional posts and also by including or dropping any department in the schedule from time to time. The cadre strength would be reviewed once in five years, but the government would hold the right to review it at will.
The quinquennial cadre strength would be reviewed by a panel headed by the senior-most Additional Chief Secretary as chairman and comprising the Secretaries of Home, Finance, Law and General Administration and Personnel and Administrative Reforms Secretary as convener. The committee, which has powers to summon any officer or call any documents, should complete the review in three months on initiating the process.
Promotions would be subject to the cadre strength fixed by the government and also on completion of the specified number of years of service. Every fresher would have to undergo an 18-month training conducted by the Institute of Management in Government and would then be placed on probation.
The new cadre is expected to provide opportunities for the growth and development of bright, talented committed officers in civil service.
Draft Special Rules to be sent to KPSC
The cabinet has also decided to hold discussions with the representatives of government employees’ organizations on the draft special rules. The special rules would be sent to Kerala Public Service Commission for its consideration.