Are Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) officers posted as district collectors?
Namaste Rahul,
Yes, Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) officers can be posted as district collectors in Rajasthan. In 2009, the Congress government posted 13 RAS officers as district collectors and heads of departments for the first time. The decision was made to address career stagnation for RAS officers and in response to litigation that had prevented the promotion of senior RAS officers to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
RAS officers are promoted to collector positions after 15–20 years of joining the service, while IAS officers can become collectors in 5–7 years. RAS officers are posted to “B” and “C” category districts, while more important districts are reserved for IAS officers.
RAS officers work at the grass-roots level of administration to implement and formulate policies, and also work in secretariats. They deliver government services, maintain law and order, and conduct revenue administration.