Subject: Revision/Amendment in Recruitment Rules for the post of Postal Service Group ‘B’ - Draft Notification dated 13.11.2024 and Inviting Comments of Stakeholders - Reg.
Download PS Group B Revised RR : AIAIPASP Association Comments in PDF
Reference: Department of Posts F.No. 9-14/2010-SPG(Vol.II) dated 11/13th November, 2024
ALL INDIA ASSOCIATION OF INSPECTORS AND ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS POSTS
Central Headquarters, New Delhi
The All India Association of Inspectors Posts and Assistant Superintendents Posts (AIAIASP), Central Headquarters, Delhi, welcomes the effort made by the Department of Posts to revise and amend the Recruitment Rules (RRs) for Postal Service Group ‘B’ cadre, which has been pending for over three decades. This association, as the only recognized body representing the cadre of Inspectors Posts (IP) and Assistant Superintendents Posts (ASP), presents the following comments and suggestions for consideration.
1. Background and Existing Recruitment Rules
The Department of Posts, Postal Service Group ‘B’ Recruitment Rules (Amendment) of 1993, specify the following distribution of posts:
- 75% of posts filled through Seniority-based Promotion from the IP Line.
- 19% of posts filled through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) for the IP Line.
- 6% of posts filled through LDCE for the General Line.
These rules ensured a balance of opportunities among promotional categories while maintaining quota representation and seniority-based progression.
2. Change in Recruitment Methodology and Its Impact
The adoption of Vacancy-Based Recruitment (as per DoPT OM dated 19.01.2007) without amending the Recruitment Rules has led to several imbalances:
- Excess representation of LDCE quota, adversely affecting seniority-cum-fitness promotions.
- Loss of posts to the General Line officials, disrupting quota distribution.
- Litigations and prolonged delays in promotions across categories.
This has resulted in reduced promotional opportunities for IP Line officials, with many retiring as ASPOs without reaching the Group ‘B’ cadre.
3. Comparative Analysis of Opportunities in Other Departments
- In analogous departments, Inspectors recruited through the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) by the SSC do not have access to LDCEs for middle-level posts.
- Postal Assistants in Group-C progress through seniority-based promotions (LSG, HSG-II, HSG-I, and HSG-I NFG) without LDCEs.
- IP Line officials in the Department of Posts remain unique in being required to compete through LDCE for PS Group-B, causing career stagnation for many aspirants.
4. Comments on Draft Postal Service Group-B Recruitment Rules, 2024
This association acknowledges several positive changes in the draft notification dated 13.11.2024 and particularly appreciates the detachment of the General Line from PS Group-B. However, some concerns remain, particularly regarding limited opportunities for young and direct-recruit Inspectors.
5. Final Comments and Suggestions
To address these concerns, the AIAIASP proposes the following modifications:
A. Suggestion for Modification of Column 10 (Method of Recruitment):
Primary Suggestion:
- 80% of posts to be filled by Seniority-cum-Fitness from IP Line officials.
- 20% of posts to be filled by LDCE from IP Line officials only.
Alternate Suggestion:
- 85% of vacancies to be filled by Seniority-cum-Fitness from IP Line officials.
- 15% of vacancies to be filled by LDCE from IP Line officials only.
If neither proposal is feasible:
- The Association agrees to the draft notification as proposed.
B. Suggestion for Modification of Column 13 (Eligibility Criteria for Promotion):
- Inspector Posts in Level 7 of Pay Matrix with 3 years of regular service and completion of a minimum two-week Departmental Induction Training.
- Note: Regular service rendered as ASPOs (Level-8) should also be considered for the purpose of reckoning the service period.
- Member (Personnel) - Chairman
- Deputy Director General (P) - Member
- Director (Staff) - Member
Consultation with the UPSC should remain unnecessary.
6. Conclusion
The All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents Posts remains committed to protecting the interests of IP and ASP cadres. We believe the above proposals will strike a balance between seniority-based promotions and competitive opportunities while addressing the aspirations of young and direct-recruit Inspectors.
We kindly request the Department to consider the above suggestions to maintain fairness, efficiency, and motivation within the cadre.
With profound regards,
