The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a directive prohibiting civil servants, specifically officers entering the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), from participating in promotional activities or entering into advertising agreements with coaching institutes. This directive, driven by reported irregularities and complaints, underscores the importance of enforcing regulations to curb endorsements by UPSC toppers in coaching institute promotions.
Addressing the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) at the end of November, the CCPA, a division under the Consumer Ministry, emphasised the need to prevent IAS officers from associating with coaching institutes post their selection through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The directive points out the lack of specific provisions in the service conduct rules to govern such engagements. The Consumer Ministry has urged the DoPT to discontinue the inclusion of names or photographs of UPSC winners, especially those joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), in materials produced by coaching institutes.
In response to numerous complaints regarding irregular promotional activities conducted by IAS coaching institutes, the CCPA advocates for the inclusion of a rule in the service conduct regulations. This rule would restrict UPSC winners from endorsing coaching institutes once they assume civil service roles.
The primary objective of this directive is to discourage civil servants, particularly IAS officers, from associating themselves with coaching institutes for promotional purposes. The directive is in line with the goal of upholding integrity and professionalism within administrative services.
