DASS VS DANICS: Is It A True Need Or Hegemony Game?

The prolonged conflict between DASS and DANICS in the Delhi Government is not just a matter of bureaucratic dispute but a significant issue that reflects the sad state of affairs under the previous leadership. This ongoing tussle is now creating unnecessary clamour in the Delhi Government.

The battle between DASS and DANICS began seven years ago when the then AAP-led Delhi Government created a separate State Civil Service for Delhi by encadering Group A posts /SDM level posts in DASS—a State Subordinate Civil Service. Thus, DASS was converted into a separate State Civil Service for Delhi—fully administered/controlled by the Delhi Government. As state civil service for Delhi, DASS officers will be directly promoted into IAS, thereby replacing DANICS in Delhi.

This decision involved multiple legal and constitutional challenges and was even viewed as illegal by some bureaucrats. Two committees reviewed it, both giving contradictory observations. Two years ago, MHA effectively intervened and asked to follow due procedure and consult all competent authorities, but despite MHA intervention, the Delhi Government chose to move ahead with the proposal of rendering Group A posts/SDM-level posts in the DASS cadre.

A week ago, MHA again raised multiple objections and requested that the issue of creating Group A / SDM-level posts in the DASS cadre be re-examined. Now, the question that arises is whether the Delhi Government truly needs a separate cadre of service, especially when it already has one. Will this move bring about any substantial change in administrative efficiency, particularly in the current scenario? Or was it simply a ploy by the now ousted government of Delhi to create a fresh army of Yes Men?