Indian Forest Service
Also called: IFoS · Topic: Civil Services: Role, Accountability and Reforms · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) is the third All India Service, alongside the IAS and IPS. It was created in 1966 under the All India Services Act 1951. Officers are recruited by the UPSC and allotted to state cadres. They manage forests and wildlife. Unlike the IAS and IPS, it was not deemed created by Article 312(2). It is the only service actually set up later through the Article 312 route.
Example
Since 1966, IFoS officers recruited through the UPSC have run state forest departments and wildlife protection, working under dual control of the state and the Centre. Proposed All India Services for engineering, medicine and education were never set up, which leaves the IFoS as the only All India Service created after the Constitution.
Don't confuse with
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS): this service handles diplomacy and missions abroad. It is a Central Civil Service, not an All India Service, and this is a common Prelims trap.
Related concepts
- All India Services
- Indian Administrative Service
- Indian Police Service
- Central deputation
- Central Staffing Scheme