Tamil Nadu rural development staff question IFS officers as project heads
Tamil Nadu's Rural Development department staff object to IFS officers heading DRDAs in two districts, citing training gaps and promotion delays.
Officers of Tamil Nadu's Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department have formally objected to the recent appointment of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers as project directors of District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA) in Kanniyakumari and Theni districts. The appointments, made in the rank of Additional Collector (Development), were based on an order issued in July.
The department is responsible for implementing government development and welfare schemes in rural areas, including construction of bridges and roads, provision of drinking water, toilets and housing, and execution of the VB-G RAM-G scheme. Staff also handle election duties, census work, grievance redressal and gram sabha meetings.
An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the role requires extensive public interaction, for which IFS officers are not trained. "They have expertise in dealing with people living in and around forests and wildlife," the official said, adding that IFS officers, being from a uniformed service, are difficult for department staff to engage with.
The official noted that IAS officers are also posted to the same role. While such postings provide career experience and enable effective interaction with residents, they disadvantage department personnel, who are forced to seek postings in an ad hoc manner.
The appointments are also affecting promotion prospects for officers recruited through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission. Staff who joined the department seven to eight years ago face uncertainty over career advancement. Petitions have been submitted to various officials seeking relief.