A parliamentary standing committee has suggested strict disciplinary or corrective action against those IAS officers who fail to submit their Immovable Property Returns (IPRs) on time.
The committee has raised serious concerns over IAS officers evading the mandatory disclosure of their assets.
In its 145th report presented to Parliament on March 27, the panel highlighted that in 2024, 91 IAS officers did not file their property returns. This trend isn't new — in 2023, 73 officers defaulted, while in 2022 and 2021, 12 and 14 officers, respectively, skipped the filing for select posts. The report noted that these defaults often led to denial of vigilance clearance required for career progression.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) was asked to strictly ensure timely filing of IPRs. The committee also suggested creating a central monitoring mechanism to track submissions and recommended penal action against repeat offenders.
Recommendations to streamline declaration
The committee has proposed setting up a centralized compliance tracking system under the DoPT to monitor IPR submissions and impose penalties in cases of non-compliance. It emphasized that timely and accurate declaration of assets is critical for strengthening transparency in the civil services.
Highlighting the growing demand for efficient governance, the committee flagged that 1,316 IAS positions are currently vacant. It advised the government to expedite recruitment and enforce stricter rules for current officers to maintain accountability.
To resolve delays in promotions and filling posts, the panel also recommended the launch of an online tracking and submission portal for state governments to ensure timely submission of proposals related to IAS appointments.
The report concluded by stating that such enforcement will not only improve compliance but also restore public trust in the integrity of civil administration.
Vivek Shukla is a management graduate who has worked in corporate worked for 20 years and is now pursuing his passion — news.
