FNPO Addressing Concerns Over Proposed PSS Group B Recruitment Rules (RRs)

Addressing Concerns Over Proposed PSS Group B Recruitment Rules

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The Federation of National Postal Organisations (FNPO) has expressed strong opposition to the proposed Recruitment Rules (RRs) for PSS Group B, as outlined in the Directorate's Office Memorandum No. 09-14/2010-SPG (Vol II), dated November 13, 2024. FNPO Secretary General, Mr. Sivaji Vasireddy, articulated the union’s concerns in a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Posts on November 28, 2024, highlighting the proposal’s implications for operative staff and calling for a fairer approach to career progression.

Key Concerns Raised by FNPO

The FNPO raised multiple issues, arguing that the proposed changes fail to address long-standing disparities in career opportunities between administrative and operative cadres. The key points include:

1. Exclusion of Operative Cadre
   The proposed RRs allocate all PSS Group B posts to the Inspector Posts cadre on a seniority basis, excluding eligible operative cadre employees. FNPO views this as unjust, particularly given the promises of career progression made in the past.

2. Need for Competitive Opportunities
   FNPO emphasized that in today’s competitive environment, Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCE) are vital for rewarding merit and talent. Ignoring this aspect undermines the motivation and aspirations of the workforce.

3. Disparities in Career Progression
   The organization highlighted the disparity between operative staff and administrative staff in terms of promotions and pay scales. Operative staff often experience limited career advancement, with promotions primarily reflecting pay scale improvements rather than changes in status or responsibilities.

4. Impact on Postmaster Cadre
   FNPO criticized the abolition of the Postmaster Cadre, which had been introduced as a "lifeline" for effective post office management. The cadre’s officials were excluded from key examinations and promotional avenues, further marginalizing them before its abrupt merger into the general line.

5. Lack of Stakeholder Consultation
   The union expressed disappointment that the proposed RRs were drafted without prior consensus or meaningful consultation with stakeholders, including employee representatives.

Proposed Recommendations

To address the inequities and ensure inclusive career development, FNPO has proposed the following measures:

1. Merge Non-Gazetted Group B Posts
   All Non-Gazetted Group B posts in both operative and administrative cadres should be merged. At least 33.33% of PSS Group B vacancies should be reserved for operative staff, ensuring a balanced representation.

2. Reintroduce Competitive Examinations
   A percentage of PSS Group B vacancies should be filled through LDCE to provide opportunities for meritorious employees from all cadres.

3. Grant Gazetted Status to HSG Officials
   High Selection Grade (HSG) officials, currently overlooked in career advancements, should be granted Gazetted status to rectify anomalies and incentivize progression.

4. Transparent Consultation Process
   FNPO urged the Department of Posts to convene a dedicated meeting to address these issues, ensuring that any new RRs are designed collaboratively and equitably.

Conclusion

FNPO has expressed its strong resentment toward the proposed PSS Group B RRs, deeming them discriminatory and detrimental to operative staff. By implementing the suggested reforms, the Department of Posts can foster a fairer and more inclusive framework for career progression, aligning with organizational growth and employee aspirations.

(This article is based on FNPO letter No. FNPO/PSS Group B/RR's/2024, dated November 28, 2024.)