Proposal for Revision of Postal Service Group ‘B’ Recruitment Rules
The All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents, Posts (AIAIASP) has presented a detailed proposal to the Director General (Posts) regarding the revision and amendment of the Postal Service Group ‘B’ Recruitment Rules. The association has emphasized the need to address the concerns of the cadre and ensure a fair, balanced, and efficient recruitment process.
Background
The recruitment and promotion rules for Postal Service Group ‘B’ posts, originally governed by the 1987 Recruitment Rules, were later amended in 1993. According to these rules:
- 75% of posts are filled through seniority-based promotion from Inspector Posts (IP).
- 19% are filled through the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) for IP cadre.
- 6% are reserved for clerical line officials promoted through LDCE.
While this structure aimed to balance seniority and merit, several issues have arisen over time.
Challenges Highlighted
- Imbalance in Promotions:The actual number of promotions from LDCE has often exceeded the prescribed quota. This has disrupted the balance and limited opportunities for seniority-based promotions, leaving many senior Inspectors of Posts (IPs) without career progression.
- Impact of DOP&T Guidelines (OM dated 19-01-2007):The application of vacancy-based recruitment guidelines from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has caused discrepancies, leading to extended tenures for LDCE recruits in Group ‘B’, thereby reducing opportunities for IP cadre members.
- Court Cases and Delays:The reliance on quota systems and conflicting interpretations of recruitment rules have resulted in numerous legal disputes, further delaying the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) and LDCE processes.
- Loss of Posts to General Line:The cadre has also suffered from the transfer of 141 HSG-I ASP Postmaster Posts to the general line and the allocation of more posts to general line officials beyond the prescribed quota.
Proposals for Amendment
To address these challenges, the association has proposed two alternate solutions:
Primary Proposal: Elimination of LDCE
- Fill all posts through seniority-cum-fitness promotion from IP cadre with at least three years of regular service.
- Separate rules for General Line quota posts (6%) to be identified and recruited distinctly, such as posts of Senior Postmaster.
- This would eliminate the contentious quota-rota system, reduce litigation, and provide a clearer path for career progression.
Alternate Proposal: Revised Quotas
If eliminating LDCE is not feasible, the association suggests revising the recruitment rule quotas:
- 85% by seniority-cum-fitness promotion from IP cadre with three years of service.
- 15% through LDCE, distributed as follows:
- IP cadre with three years of service.
- General line and stenographer cadre with eight years of regular service, including service in Level-7.
Key Benefits of Proposed Changes
- Enhanced Career Progression: Addresses stagnation and ensures fair opportunities for promotion.
- Improved Workforce Efficiency: A satisfied cadre is more likely to perform effectively and contribute positively.
- Reduction in Legal Disputes: Clear and fair rules will minimize litigation and streamline recruitment processes.
Conclusion
The AIAIASP strongly urges the Department of Posts to consider these proposals and initiate necessary amendments to the Postal Service Group ‘B’ Recruitment Rules. The association believes that these changes will enhance the morale of the IP cadre, ensure efficiency in administration, and create a balanced framework for promotions.
A prompt response and action on this matter are highly anticipated.
