New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is expected to approach the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for a fresh review of the Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS) cadre, along with a proposal to increase the number of officers recruited each year, according to officials familiar with the development.
ITS, a premier Group A civil service under the DoT, plays a central role in telecommunications policy-making, regulatory oversight and operational management across several ministries and government organisations. The cadre currently has around 1,200 officers nationwide, including those on deputation, with an annual intake of roughly 25 officers.
According to reports, officials say the expansion of digital infrastructure, rapid technological advancements and the growing need for international coordination have underscored the demand for additional skilled personnel. A larger intake and an updated cadre structure are viewed as essential to meet emerging sectoral requirements.
The last comprehensive review of the ITS cadre took place in 2016, its first in 28 years, after which DoPT mandated that such assessments be conducted every five years to better reflect manpower needs better. That review introduced an apex-level Director General of Telecom post and fixed the number of duty positions at 853.
Experts note that a new review could further strengthen organisational capacity across the DoT, BSNL, MTNL and other government entities by enabling more specialised and modernised roles.
