I N T R O D U C T I O N

1.1 The concept of `Cadre Review' is perhaps unique to the Indian Civil Service system. Periodical reviewing of cadre strength of a regularly constituted service is an important cadre management function as it plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of the service and keeping up the morale of it s members. In its broad sense, a cadre review encompasses such operational tasks as actual recruitment, training, placement, etc. and attempts to bring about congruence between functional needs and legitimate aspirations of the members of a Services. The main thrust of cadre review is on manpower projections and recruitment planning on scientific lines aiming at the same time at rationalisation of the existing cadre structure of a Service in accordance with certain predefined principles and a given set of objectives like improving the efficiency, morale and effectiveness of the cadre.

1.2 The cadre review exercise is often misconstrued as a process of upgradation/downgradation of cadre posts or otherwise increasing/decreasing the numbers at various levels. These changes are a result but not the aim of a cadre review exercise which involves a complete management plan prepared on a scientific basis. This Monograph attempts to answer the questions `what', `why' and `how' in regard to cadre review, correct the prevalent misconceptions and consolidate at one place various guidelings and instructions issued from time to time by the Department of Personnel & Training on the subject.