Reform Recommendations

6.1 Hota Committee (2004)

The Hota Committee (P.C. Hota, former UPSC Chairman, 2004) on Civil Services Reform recommended:

• Age limit for civil services at 21–30 years (reduced from 30 to reduce seniors who may not adapt).
• Domain specialization — officers should choose 2–3 ministries for career.
• Performance appraisal reform — 360-degree feedback.
• Compulsory retirement of non-performers at 20 years of service.
• Transparency in transfers and postings.

6.2 Second ARC — Personnel Reforms (2008)

The 2nd ARC's 10th Report ("Refurbishing of Personnel Administration") key recommendations:

1. Civil Services Act: Codify service conditions in legislation (currently under Rules).
2. Civil Services Board: Independent body for transfers; reduce ministerial discretion.
3. Fixed minimum tenure: 2 years at a posting; cannot be transferred without Board concurrence.
4. Lateral Entry: Bring in specialists at middle-senior levels on fixed-term contracts.
5. Mandatory Mid-Career Training: At 7, 14, and 20 year milestones.
6. 360-degree APAR: Include peer, subordinate, and citizen feedback.
7. Compulsory retirement: Non-performing officers to be retired at 15 or 25 years of service under FR 56(j).

6.3 Current Reform Debates

Lateral Entry controversy (2024):
The government in August 2024 withdrew a UPSC advertisement for 45 lateral entry Joint Secretary posts after political controversy over lack of reservation for SC/ST/OBC candidates. The government clarified lateral entry would be brought under UPSC screening with reservation provisions going forward.

Performance-Linked Pay: 7th Pay Commission (2016) recommended performance-linked pay for civil servants; partially implemented but a full performance-linked system remains to be operationalised.

---