Deputation in govt jobs is the temporary assignment of workers from their parent department to a borrowing department. Such assignment usually elapses after a defined period and aims to help borrowing departments fulfil specific objectives. The act of deputation also offers employees opportunities to gain experience and enhance their skills.
In this article, we will explore more details about deputation in govt jobs. Take advantage of all the information to understand how this concept works.
How Does Deputation Work?
Few steps are involved govt jobs deputation are described below:
A government department seeking employees to fill specific roles without employing new staff,
- Department seeking employees sends notifications to sister departments or other organizations within India’s govt control,
- Receiving departments advertise the roles available in a borrowing department to employees through internal memos,
- Interested govt employees in receiving departments apply to fill deputation roles in borrowing organization,
- Department seeking staff through deputation screens applicants and interviews qualified candidates, and
- Qualified candidates retrieve no contest approval from their parent (receiving) department.
Types of Deputation
Short-term deputation
Government employees in short-term deputation roles could serve in a borrowing department within a year. Short-term deputation roles could last for a few months but usually doesn’t exceed 1 year.
Such roles are common in borrowing departments that need to fill in for absent employees or secure specific skills for given projects. Short-term deputation offers employees experience along with exposure to new working environments.
Long-term deputation
Govt employees can work in borrowing departments for much longer. Long-term deputation could see an employee operate for at least 1 year in a borrowing govt organization. Employees in deputation roles can stay at the borrowing agency for several years. The project length in a borrowing organization determines the duration of a deputation.
Working through a long-term deputation provides employees a wealth of insights into how borrowing organizations operate. It also gives workers enough time to make significant contributions to a govt department’s operations outside their parent department.
Employees working in a long-term deputation also have time to develop skills, assert their relevance to projects, and build their career portfolio.
Inter-departmental deputation
Deputation among departments involves transferring employees within the same government organ. Such deputation is common in larger ministries where departments operate in semi-independent capacity.
Inter-departmental deputation offers organizations robust opportunities for resource and knowledge sharing. The practice also helps develop a concerted approach to deliver public service from India’s govt sectors.
International deputation
Transferring employees from a parent organization to another department overseas is international deputation. This kind of deputation is rare and reserved for employees with special skills required in govt agencies abroad.
Employees working through international deputation roles gain global exposure and contribute their special skills to a country on an international scale.
Eligibility Criteria for Deputation
General eligibility requirements
Eligibility for deputation typically includes criteria such as:
- Tenure – A minimum period of service in the parent department, often ranging from 3 to 5 years.
- Performance – A satisfactory performance record with no pending disciplinary actions.
- Approval – Approval from the head of the parent department or organization.
Specific qualifications and experience needed
Certain deputation positions may require specific qualifications and experience, such as:
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess relevant degrees or certifications required for the position. In most cases, skilled workers are best suited to secure deputation jobs in a borrowing organization.
Professional Experience
Interested govt employees must have specific years of experience in a particular field or role.
Skills
Employees must have specialized skills or expertise that align with the requirements of the borrowing organization.
Application and Selection Process
Steps Involved in Applying for Deputation
The application process generally involves:
- Notification – Govt employees are notified of deputation opportunities through official circulars or notifications.
- Application – Interested govt employees will submit their applications through the proper channel.
- NOC – Employees will usually need to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the parent department along with their application.
Documentation and Approvals Required
Required documentation typically includes:
- Application Form – Completed application form with relevant details.
- NOC – No Objection Certificate from the parent department.
- Service Record – Copies of service record and performance appraisal reports.
- Educational Certificates – Copies of educational and professional certificates.
Selection Process and Criteria
The selection process and criteria include:
- Scrutiny
The borrowing organization will review applications for eligibility and completeness.
- Interviews
Candidates may be interviewed to assess their suitability.
- Merit
Selection is based on merit, experience, and alignment with the borrowing organization’s needs.
What are the Differences between Deputation and Permanent Transfer?
| Deputation | Permanent Transfer | |
| 1 | Temporary change in an employee’s place of work and job role | Full-time change in an employee’s place of work and job role |
| 2 | Employee expected to return to regular duties in parent department | No return to parent department |
| 3 | Employee’s lien (right to original post) is maintained | Employee’s lien expires after moving to another department |
Which Govt Department Sets Rules Governing Deputation?
Rules governing deputation in India are outlined in detail by the government. Such rules aim to ensure transparency, fairness, and beneficial relationships to all parties involved. Rules governing deputations are usually set by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
What are the Benefits of Deputation?
The purpose of deputation can differ among borrowing organizations; however, such practice aims to benefit:
The borrowing organization by providing:
- quick access to experienced workers to fulfil specific roles, and
- improved efficiency through skilled staff from parent organizations
The parent organization by:
- exposing staff to new working environments to enhance their efficiency, and
- fostering collaboration with other agencies
The employee by providing:
- opportunities for professional career growth, and
- skill enhancement opportunities
Conclusion
Deputation in govt jobs is an essential practice in India and provides a wide range of benefits to employees. Govt job deputation also benefits both organizations involved in the practice. The temporary transfer of employees provides opportunities to enhance skills and grow professionally while achieving efficiency in an organization.
Govt agencies can enhance collaboration, share expertise and improve their operational efficiency through deputation. Deputation continues to function as a vital tool to boost public performance in India. Govt employees can take advantage of this practice to boost their skills and advance their career in India’s labour force.