In a significant move to cut bureaucratic delays,the Prime Minister has cleared a proposal to use search-cum-selection method instead of the normal UPSC route for appointing heads of important cultural institutions like the Archaeological Survey of India,the National Museum and the National Archives. In a letter dated January 22,the Prime Minister has authorised the Culture Ministry to constitute search-cum-selection committee for these key positions in eight top institutions,some of which have been without a head for years now. The move would pave the way for quick appointment of chiefs of the National Archives,the Anthropological Survey of India and the National Library in Kolkata which are currently headless. The order also applies to the Central Reference Library,Kolkata; National Library,Kolkata; National Gallery of Modern Art,New Delhi; and the National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property in Lucknow. The search-cum-selection committee will have ex officio members in Cabinet Secretary as chairman,Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister,Culture Secretary,and Secretary,Department of Personnel and Training. Besides,three experts from the field in which the appointment is to be made would be selected by the Culture Ministry,with the consent of the Prime Minister. The idea for bypassing the UPSC route for these appointments was to move from a qualification-based selection to achievement-oriented selection by broadbasing the eligibility criteria for candidates. It is also designed to attract the best talent in the relevant field by offering suitable incentives such as market-based remuneration and long contract-based stint in office. Accordingly,the upper age limit for these candidates has been relaxed. At the time of appointment,the candidates can be up to 67 years old and can hold the office till they are 70. Apart from speeding up the appointment process ,the new procedure is also likely to result in the selection of better candidates. Sources said often the most eligible candidates do not respond to the UPSC advertisements. A search-cum-selection committee would be in a position to ask such people to apply.
