MHA asks BSF to hold DPCs by Jan-end

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has raised concerns over the Border Security Force's (BSF) failure to conduct meetings for 24 departmental promotion committees (DPCs) related to the 2024 vacancies, constituting a significant breach of regulations. In response, the MHA has instructed the Director-General of BSF to complete the DPC process by the end of this month.

In a recent communication to the DG-BSF, an under-secretary at the MHA emphasized that all DPC meetings for the 2024 vacancies, as per the Department of Personnel & Training (DOP&T) calendar, should have taken place between May and October of the previous year. Additionally, the select panel should have been finalized by December 31, 2023. Despite being permitted to conclude all DPC meetings by the specified deadline, the BSF has failed to conduct 24 DPCs across various cadres for the 2024 vacancies, constituting a serious violation of DOP&T instructions and MHA directives, as stated in the letter.

DPCs play a crucial role in the regular promotion of government employees, influencing decisions based on recommendations. Various functions, including promotions, cadre clearances for deputations, acceptance of resignations, voluntary retirements, and disciplinary actions, are carried out by respective ministries or departments concerning assistant section officer and section officer grades.

The MHA had previously formed a task force to investigate factors contributing to slow promotions, such as continuous postings in conflict zones and limited opportunities for growth and development, in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

The MHA has directed the DG-BSF, in accordance with competent authority orders, to complete or finalize all 24 DPC meetings by the end of this month and submit compliance reports. Additionally, the officer responsible for the pending DPCs' meetings has been requested to attend discussions at the ministry.

According to MHA data, a significant number of personnel, particularly from the BSF, opted for the voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) between 2019 and 2023. As of March 2023, there was a shortage of 79,960 vacancies in various posts within CAPFs and Assam Rifles, with recruitment processes underway at different stages. Approximately 36,521 personnel were recruited during that period.