Shortage of Assam Civil Service (ACS) officers affects State administration

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: A severe shortage of administrative officers has adversely affected the State administration including the smooth running of various schemes as well as government work at the grassroots level. According to official statistics, there are at present vacancy of 214 Assam Civil Service (ACS) posts. The impact of this shortage is likely to be felt till 2019 and 2020 when new recruitments would be taking place.

The shortage is likely to increase what with several ACS officers coming under the scanner after their names were linked with the infamous APSC cash-for-job scam. Already 19 ACS officials have been dismissed from service while 13 others may also face similar action as they too are in judicial custody.

As of now, Dibrugarh Police investigating the scam has been looking into the roles of two batches of ACS officials of the years 2015 and 2016. This scandal has rocked the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC), the prime agency that recruits personnel for various administrative posts in the government sector. There is a likelihood that more ACS officers might be arrested.

In 2019, APSC would be selecting personnel for 95 posts. However, by the time these recruits actually take up positions, it would be towards the last part of 2019. Similar is the case with the 135 other new recruits in 2020 as they would be formally taking up assignments only towards the fag end of the year.