The Public Service Commission has embarked on a “one off” exercise to confirm acting appointments of all those acting for 6 months or more as at 31st March, 2010. Mr Parmesh Chand, Permanent Secretary for Public Service said that this exercise is being undertaken based on a criteria which has been conveyed to Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments.

“Normally, there is a 3 month timeframe for acting appointments. Within this three months, the vacant posts are expected to be advertised, applications received, candidates shortlisted and interviewed and appointments finally made. This obviously has not happened in the subject cases as we have many acting appointments for much longer periods than six months.”

Mr Chand informed the benefits of the exercise are that long standing acting appointments would be confirmed, thereby “cleaning up” the backlog existing in this area. The confirmation of acting appointments will also encourage and motivate staff towards improved levels of efficiency. The exercise overall complements the reform initiatives of Government in having a well organized and better performing civil service.

Mr Chand said that approximately 1000 positions are involved in this exercise across the civil service. The PSC has begun sending out teams of Officers to assist Ministries and Departments verify the cases and firm up respective submissions. The PSC is expected to complete this exercise by 30th June, 2010.

Date: 18/06/2010