DOP Issues Guidelines on Declination of Promotions to LSG/HSG-II and HSG-I Posts.
In a recent directive, the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, has addressed concerns raised by Service Associations regarding the declination of promotions offered to posts in the Lower Selection Grade (LSG), Higher Selection Grade-II (HSG-II), and Higher Selection Grade-I (HSG-I). The issue of promotion refusal has been brought to light in several Postal Circles, where officials are reportedly compelled to accept promotions, even when unwilling to relocate to new postings, often in distant or less desirable locations.
The directive, issued by the Personnel Division under the reference number X-20/28/2023-SPN-II on 4th September 2024, aims to address these concerns and provide clarity on how such requests for declination of promotions should be handled.
Refusal of Promotions in Postal Circles
The Directorate has noted that many officials offered promotions to the LSG, HSG-II, and HSG-I posts either already receive pay equivalent to their promoted positions under the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme or prefer to avoid personal disruptions, particularly when new postings are in remote areas. In some cases, these officials have been compelled to accept promotions and relocate, causing discontent.
Guidelines for Handling Promotion Refusals
The Department of Posts had previously issued instructions via a letter on 23rd July 2024, outlining measures to minimize promotion refusals. These included attempts to post officials, on promotion, to their preferred Postal Division where administratively feasible.
If, after considering preferences, promotion refusal requests are still received, such requests should be considered on merit and not rejected in a routine or blanket manner. Circles are also encouraged to conduct supplementary Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings to fill vacancies created by those declining promotions.
Moving Forward
Postal Circles are now being reminded to strictly adhere to these guidelines. The approach should focus on accommodating the preferences of officials where possible and treating declination requests with due consideration. This is expected to foster a more supportive work environment while ensuring that promotions do not become a cause for undue hardship for employees.
This initiative reflects the Department’s commitment to balancing the needs of both the administration and its workforce, especially in managing the challenges associated with promotions and postings in a large and diverse country like India.
The directive has been signed by Vangara Prasad, Assistant Director General (SPN), with the clear instruction to all Heads of Circles to implement these guidelines effectively.
By streamlining the process for promotion declinations, the Postal Department aims to ensure that promotions are seen as a positive career advancement opportunity, rather than a source of inconvenience.
