2 July,2010

With a view to develop a system of working which is transparent, fair, just, objective, impartial, equitable and free from any interference, the Government of India is formulating "The Public Services (Protection & Regulation) Bill, 2010.

Once passed by the Parliament and implemented, this Act would protect the interest of people besides helping them to improve their socio-economic conditions. Government shall within a period of two years, prescribe standards for each public service with respect to number of public services facilities. A Central/State Public Service Authority and District Public Service Authority would be established for effective management of such public services. The Central/State Public Service Authority shall consist of a Chairperson and such number of members, at least one representing each public service, as may be prescribed.

The Chairperson and members of the Authority shall be appointed by the President/Governor on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister/Chief Minister of the committee. The Leader of Opposition in the House of the People/Legislative Assembly of the State and a Union/State Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister/Chief Minister.

The Chairperson or the Member shall hold office for a term of 5 years from the date of entering upon the office and shall not be eligible for reappointment. No person shall hold office as such after attaining the age of 65 years.

The District Public Service Authority shall consist of the Chairperson (Collector of the District) and the members, who will be elected representative of the local authority. One each from the Panchayati Raj Institutions, Municipalities, District Board, Cantonment Board, Town Planning Authority and Zila Parishad to be appointed by the State Government. Besides, a Central/State Institute of Public Service Management shall be constituted.

A Public Service Officer shall be appointed, who while performing duties and functions under this Act shall adopt and adhere to the Public Service Performance standards, which will function within the broad policies and guidelines laid down by the Central/State Public Service Authority. These officers will be responsible for planning and promoting training and research in the area of Public Service Management.

For carrying into effect the purpose of this Act, an ombudsman shall be appointed for a term of three years by the appropriate Government on the basis of recommendations of a selection committee consisting of the Chairman and Member of the Central/State Public Service Authority and the Secretary to the Government of India/State Government of concerned public service. The Ombudsman shall be a person of eminence having wide knowledge and experience of not less than fifteen years in the concerned public service or from judicial service. He shall be eligible for re-appointment.

On implementation, the Public Services (Protection and Regulation) Bill, 2010 would ensure high standards in the quality of service, effective management and professional growth resulting in professional excellence, productivity and efficiency. For the purposes of building potentiality and capability in Public Service Officers  to achieve and accomplish the purposes and objectives of this Act and to perform functions and duties and commensurate with the standards laid down, the appropriate Government shall provide necessary training to such officers. This Bill will be implemented as per Government policy in letter and spirit for upliftment of general public in transparent manner.