Gandhinagar: As part of a major workforce planning and cadre management exercise, the Gujarat govt has begun overhauling its state cadres by merging similar posts and creating new ones to address emerging technologies in governance. Official sources said at least 10 of the 34 cadres are likely to be cut in the exercise, which the general administration department (GAD) is expected to complete in the coming months. The issue was among the main topics discussed at the recent Chintan Shibir, the annual governance brainstorming session.“Building a future-ready workforce through skill development, digital readiness, and ethical governance, with a strong focus on gender parity, which is adequately supported by learning hubs, dashboards, and HR reforms, is the primary objective of the exercise,” an official said, while explaining the rationale of the cadre overhaul.Sources said many govt posts in the revenue and panchayat departments are similar. Likewise, several posts in the engineering, roads and buildings, and urban development departments are also very similar.“Minor variations will be streamlined and all such positions will be filled through a common platform,” a source said. Sources added that as part of the 10-year recruitment calendar (2024-2033), the GAD has already created 4,582 new posts, and abolished 2,570 roles.Officials said a merit-cum-seniority-based promotion and transfer policy is already in place, and a proposal has been submitted to introduce a 10-year promotion calendar, a uniform annual cycle, digital integration through the Karmayogi portal, and training-based reforms to ensure transparent and timely promotions.“Data-driven governance models, including tools such as the CM’s dashboard and the Pragati-Gujarat portal, are already operational. However, as part of the reshuffle, the govt intends to introduce dedicated cadres to recruit personnel in AI, machine learning, and other emerging technologies,” an official said.Sources added that among the recommendations made at the Chintan Shibir, is the constitution of a state recruitment tribunal to deal with cases arising during the recruitment process, and reducing legal delays.
