Srinagar, Jan. 25 -- Through what prism should we see reforms in the IAS cadre rules? Should primacy be given to localism or their all-India character? Should States be permitted to exercise overwhelming rights over the careers of IAS officers assigned to them? Should individual officers be allowed to exclusively determine where they want to serve?

These questions become pertinent in the context of the sharp reaction of some states to the amendments proposed in the IAS (Cadre) Rules, 1954 whereby the officers to be deputed to the Central Government shall be decided by the Central Government in consultation with the respective State Governments and in case of any disagreement, the decision of the Central Government will be final.

At a br...