Shortage of ACS officials hits development

GUWAHATI, Oct 14: Acute shortage of Assam Civil Service (ACS) officials has hit hard the State administration. It has also adversely affected the progress of various developmental works. This woeful situation is likely to continue till 2020 when the fresh batches would be joining the service.

The developmental schemes are lagging behind due to the shortfall in ACS officials, who have to monitor such ongoing projects as revenue circle officers.

On the other hand, there is disgruntlement among a section of the ACS officials as most of them are not getting promotions on time. Instead they are being given ‘Time-scale promotions’ which basically means they are entitled to the next higher pay scale but not the designation or the higher post. This typical situation occurs when there is shortage of officials in the corresponding lower levels.

There are 1,010 sanctioned ACS posts in the State. Of this, 274 posts are lying vacant while men-in-position are 736.

Presently, the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) is carrying out examination for filling up 95 vacant posts. However, it would be sometime in February or March 2019 that these candidates would be finally absorbed into the administrative system as they would have to clear various formalities including police verification and also undergo training.

In the meantime, a section of the on-job ACS officials would also retire.

The APSC would be holding the preliminary stage of the selection process to fill up 138 other vacant posts in November this year. The selected candidates would be absorbed into the system only in 2020.