Life of an IFS officer: Roles, functions, salary-structure and perks
Indian Foreign Services (IFS) is one of the premiere civil services under the Government of India. Officers of Foreign Services are required to project India's interests, both at home and abroad, over a wide spectrum of issues. The selections for the 1946-established service are done based on the recommendations of UPSC. Here, find out more about the functions, salary-structure and perks of IFS officers.
Functions: Representing India; Protecting national interest; Promoting friendly relations
The elementary functions of an IFS officer are: Representing India in its Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates, and Permanent Missions to multilateral organizations like UN. Looking after India's national interest in the country of one's posting. Promotion of friendly relations with the receiving state and its people, including NRI/PIOs. Accurate and timely reporting of developments/progress in country of posting to facilitate policy formulation in India.
Functions: Negotiating agreements; Consular facilities; Press and legal matters
Other roles of IFS officers include: Negotiating agreements on various issues with the authorities of foreign states. Providing consular facilities to foreigners and Indian nationals out of country. Further, territorial divisions deal with bilateral, political and economic work while functional divisions deal with policy planning, multilateral organizations, regional groupings, legal matters, disarmament, protocol, consular, Indian Diaspora, press and publicity, administration, among other aspects.
Salary structure of IFS officers: Part 1
At Junior Scale, the pay band of an IFS officer is Rs. 15,600-39,100, with a grade pay of Rs. 5,400. For a Senior Time Scale officer, the pay band is Rs. 15,600-39,100 and the grade pay is Rs. 6,600. At the Junior Administrative Grade level, the pay band is Rs. 15,600-39,100, while the grade pay is Rs. 7,600.
Salary structure of IFS officers: Part 2
The pay band for Selection Grade level officers is Rs. 37,400 - 67,000 with a grade-pay of Rs. 8,700. For a Super Time Scale officer, the pay band is Rs. 37,400 - Rs 67,000, with a grade-pay of Rs. 12,000. The salary for an Apex Pay Scale level officer is fixed at Rs. 80,000, while the same for Cabinet Secretary is Rs. 90,000.
Perks of an IFS officer
There are plenty of perks offered to IFS officers. Among these are top-class 2/3 BHK accommodation at cheap rates, a car for commuting, household helps and security guards, medical treatment expenses and official vehicles. Furthermore, IFS officers also get free electricity and water facilities, free-of-cost telephonic services, abroad study options, retirement benefits and monthly pension scheme.
