UP IAS cadre's declining nos. at Centre a cause of concern

Currently, there are only four IAS officers of UP cadre at secretary level with the Union govt

- Umesh Raghuvanshi

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh's low representation in the state cadre IAS officers on deputation to the Centre has become a cause of concern in the corridors of power. There are only four IAS officers at secretary level with the Union government and the number may go down even further if the prevailing situation continues.

Devesh Chaturvedi of 1989 batch posted as secretary, department of agriculture, Archana Agarwal of 1990 batch posted as member secretary, NCR Planning Board, New Delhi, Kamran Rizvi of 1991 batch posted as secretary heavy industry and Nivedita Shukla Verma of 1991 batch posted as secretary chemicals and fertilisers are the only officers posted there.

Uttar Pradesh has the largest IAS cadre in the country with authorised strength of around 620 officers. No officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre of 1992, 1993 and 1994 (barring additional secretary, ministry of social justice and empowerment, Amit Ghosh) is working at the Centre.