IAS-IPS couple awaits PM nod to live together

With an IAS-IPS couple unable to get transfer to the cadre of their spouse as it would mean being posted in their native state, a piquant situation has arisen exposing the “gaps” in the existing policy. The couple has sought common cadre categorisation citing their marriage, as civil services rules allow it. However, the rules bar any member of the service from working in his or her home state. 

A panel has now proposed that the Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi consider allotting both of them alternative cadre to resolve the situation. The “unique” case is of 2011-batch IAS officer P Parthiban from Tamil Nadu who has been allocated Union Territories cadre, that includes Delhi. He married his batch-mate and Tamil Nadu cadre IPS officer Nisha, who hails from Delhi. 

This matter was put up before a Committee, that decides on cases of inter-cadre transfer and deputation that require relaxation in provisions of existing guidelines. The Committee was informed that the officers have requested for cadre transfer to a common cadre on the grounds of marriage. Either of the officers cannot opt for the cadre of the spouse being their home cadre. The Committee later decided that in such cases, a choice to the officers to choose the immediate next cadre opted by the officer in the detailed application form submitted to UPSC below the present cadre allotted may be provided.