Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Calls for Continued Effort to Make Service Rules More Responsive to Employees and Their Families

Key Highlights:

• The CSS Shield initiative was launched by the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) Forum.
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh supported the initiative, emphasizing responsive service rules for employees and families.
• The initiative aims to provide mutual financial support to bereaved families of CSS officers.
• It targets providing at least ₹15 lakh to each bereaved family, with potential for future enhancement.
• The launch formalizes previous voluntary support, which saw ₹1.30 crore collected for 65-70 families since 2020.

Detailed Insights:

• The CSS Shield operates on the principle of "Contribute for Family, Support with Dignity" to ensure structured and dependable support.
• This initiative aligns with the Personnel Ministry's broader efforts to make government service systems more responsive to employee needs.
• The Minister suggested expanding the initiative to include scholarships for children of deceased CSS officers.
• The need for a structured mechanism was strengthened by experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many CSS officers lose their lives.
• The government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi continuously encourages reviewing and improving existing rules and procedures.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Central Secretariat Service (CSS): A group 'A' and 'B' civil service that forms the backbone of the central government's administrative machinery.
• Personnel Ministry: The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, responsible for recruitment, training, service conditions, and welfare of central government employees.