THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move that could pave the way for the entry of fresh blood into the state’s top echelons of administration, the Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal to form the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS).
The move, aimed at filling vacancies in the administrative system, will usher in a blend of expertise and youthfulness in the state civil service cadre.
The formation of the Kerala Administrative Service will also address the shortage of candidates eligible to be conferred with IAS.
The Cabinet approved the report on the Kerala Administrative Service submitted by a panel headed by the Chief Secretary and decided to take follow-up action such as the formulation of a draft Bill on the recommendations.
Elaborating on the decision after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the panel had recommended inclusion of 18 departments in the Kerala Administrative Service.
“However, there are demands from various corners to include more departments under it. These demands will be favourably considered. Directions in this regard have already been issued,” the Chief Minister said.
It was in September 2013 that the Chief Secretary-led panel was appointed to look into the possibilities of setting up a state civil service cadre.
As per the panel’s recommendations, posts which are a level above the first gazetted posts in these 18 departments will be made equivalent to the Deputy Collector’s post.
Fifty percent of the recruitment in these departments will be made in this manner while the remaining vacancies will be filled by direct recruitment through the civil service exam conducted by the Public Service Commission.
According to sources, reservation norms for existing employees will be applicable to the direct recruitment. The age limit for recruitment and the retirement age will be 30 and 58 years respectively.