Centre amends rule related to IAS, IPS, IFoS officers ending States’ intervention

The Central Government has amended rules related to the retirement benefits of IAS, IPS and IFoS pensioners. The centre has empowered itself to act against the officers even without the reference from the State Government. If the retired officers are found guilty of grave misconduct or convicted for a serious crime, the centre is free to act against them and withhold or withdraw their pensions. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said a ‘grave misconduct’ includes communication or disclosure of any document or information mentioned in the Official Secrets Act and a ‘serious crime’ includes any crime involving an offence under the Official Secrets Act.