Ministry of Science and Technology Notifies New Recruitment Rules for Private Secretaries

The Ministry of Science and Technology, through its Department of Science and Technology, issued a significant notification on August 21, 2025, publishing the Ministry of Science and Technology, Survey of India, Private Secretary (Group 'B' Post) Recruitment Rules, 2025. This instrument, a form of delegated legislation, came into force on August 22, 2025, the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. The new rules were enacted by the President in exercise of powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 of the Constitution of India, and they supersede the earlier (Senior Personal Assistant) Recruitment Rules, 2001, with a saving clause for actions already taken under the previous rules. The primary objective of these rules is to regulate the method of recruitment to the post of Private Secretary within the Survey of India, a crucial department under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The new rules detail various aspects concerning the Private Secretary position, including its classification as General Central Service, Group 'B', Gazetted, Ministerial, and its placement at Level-7 in the pay matrix, corresponding to a salary range of Rs. 44,900-1,42,400. The total number of posts specified is 10, subject to variation based on workload. The method of recruitment for these posts is primarily by promotion, with deputation as a fallback option. The rules specify that the age-limit and educational qualifications prescribed for direct recruits are not applicable, as the recruitment is not through direct entry. A significant provision addresses disqualification for appointment, stating that no person who has entered into or contracted a marriage with a person having a spouse living, or who, having a spouse living, has entered into or contracted a marriage with any other person, shall be eligible for appointment. However, the Central Government retains the power to exempt individuals from this rule under specific conditions, particularly if such marriage is permissible under personal law and other grounds exist. The legislation provided: “...the President hereby makes the following rules regulating the method of recruitment to the post of Private Secretary in Survey of India under the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology...”

The legislative intent behind these new rules is to establish a clear, updated, and efficient framework for filling the critical administrative role of Private Secretary within the Survey of India. By superseding the 2001 rules, the government aims to align the recruitment process with contemporary service conditions and administrative requirements, addressing any statutory gaps or limitations present in the earlier framework. The policy rationale underscores the need for a streamlined process that ensures the selection of qualified personnel through internal promotion or deputation from other Central Government stenographer cadres. For promotion, candidates must be Stenographer Grade-I in Level-6 of the pay matrix with five years of regular service and specific training. For deputation, officers holding analogous posts or with five years of service in Level-6 as Stenographer Grade are eligible, with a maximum age limit of fifty-six years and a typical deputation period not exceeding three years. The rules also outline the composition of the Group 'B' Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) responsible for considering promotions, which includes the Surveyor General of India as Chairman. Furthermore, the rules include a saving clause to ensure that reservations, age-limit relaxations, and other concessions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Ex-servicemen, and other special categories, as per Central Government orders, remain unaffected. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is not required to be consulted for recruitment under these rules.

Keywords: Recruitment Rules, Private Secretary, Survey of India, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government Jobs, Central Government, India, 2025, Public Service Geo Tags: India, Delhi District: Not Applicable