 |
|
The Indian Railways has made a significant U-turn on its 2019 decision to recruit officers to the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) solely through the Civil Services Examination (CSE). This decision, announced on October 5, 2024, by the Union government, marks the end of four years of confusion and difficulties in finding suitable manpower for technical wings within the railway system.
The restoration of the previous recruitment policy, which included the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), comes after Satish Kumar assumed the role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Railway Board. The move also removes the cap on the intake of officers through the IRMS, which was previously limited to 150 per year.
The 2019 decision to recruit officers solely through the CSE had created challenges in finding qualified professionals for technical departments. With the elimination of the ESE, engineering and non-engineering candidates were competing for limited posts under the IRMS, resulting in a shortage of qualified personnel in crucial areas like engineering, mechanical, and electrical departments. This led to a greater reliance on promoting subordinate rank officers to fill the vacancies.
The decision to revert to the previous recruitment system addresses the shortcomings of the 2019 policy. It recognizes the need for a diverse range of expertise within the Indian Railways and aims to ensure the recruitment of skilled professionals for all technical wings. This move is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the railway system by addressing the manpower shortage in vital technical areas.
The decision to revert to the previous recruitment system addresses the shortcomings of the 2019 policy. It recognizes the need for a diverse range of expertise within the Indian Railways and aims to ensure the recruitment of skilled professionals for all technical wings. This move is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the railway system by addressing the manpower shortage in vital technical areas.
Source: Centre makes U-turn on railway officers’ recruitment policy