Resentment Over Proposed Amendments to PS Group B Recruitment Rules (RR) 2024: BPEF

Resentment Over Proposed Amendments to PS Group B Recruitment Rules 2024 Protecting the Rights of Postal Supervisory Cadre

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Introduction

The Bharatiya Postal Employees Federation (BPEF), an industrial unit of BMS, has expressed strong opposition and concern over the proposed amendments to the PS Group B Recruitment Rules 2024. The proposed changes, as outlined in the Postal Directorate OM No. 9-14/2010-SPG (Vol I) dated 13.11.2024, seek to abolish the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) quota, which has been a critical avenue for career progression of Supervisory Cadre officials.

Background of Recruitment Rules

The PS Group B Recruitment Rules have been in place since 1987, providing 6% LDCE quota to Selection Grade Supervisory officials and 94% promotion quota to Inspector Posts line officials. Over time, amendments introduced in 1993 allocated a 19% LDCE quota to Inspector Posts officials by carving it out from the existing 94%. This structure maintained a fair balance, ensuring opportunities for both Supervisory Cadre officials and Inspector Line officers.

The Proposed Changes and Their Implications

The Department of Posts has now proposed the following amendments:

1. Abolishing the 6% LDCE quota reserved for Supervisory Cadre officials.
2. Scrapping the 19% LDCE quota for Inspector Posts line officials.
3. Moving towards 100% DPC quota promotion exclusively for Inspector Posts line officials.

These retrograde amendments, if implemented, would:

• Eliminate promotional opportunities for Supervisory Cadre officials, including Postmasters and administrative Selection Grade Supervisors.
• Favor Inspector Posts line officials, disregarding the hard work and significant contributions made by Postmasters.

Key Concerns Raised by BPEF

1. Unclear Justifications:
   The Department has not provided any reasons for abolishing the 6% and 19% LDCE quotas. As per DoPT guidelines (OM No. AB.14017/48/2010-Estt.(RR)), administrative departments must disclose reasons for amendments when submitting proposals. Without clear justifications, stakeholders cannot provide well-informed feedback.

2. Long-standing Rights:
   LDCE opportunities for Supervisory Cadre officials have existed for 37 years. Scrapping these rights without any substantial rationale undermines the career prospects of dedicated Postmasters.

3. Increased Workload Without Recognition:
   Over the past decades, workloads for Postmasters have significantly increased due to the introduction of:
   • CBS, CIS, CSI systems.
   • Responsibilities such as policy approvals, maturity claim sanctions, and ATM center management.

   Despite their increased responsibilities, Postmasters have not received proportional recognition in pay or promotional avenues. The proposed amendments further insult their contributions.

4. Partial Implementation of Recruitment Processes:
   The Department's recent actions reflect bias against LDCE aspirants:
   • Filling up DPC quota posts annually while leaving LDCE quota posts vacant for years.
   • Canceling the PS Group B LDCE Exam 2023 without solid grounds.

5. Favoritism Towards DPC Promotions:
   BPEF highlighted several instances where DPC quota promotions were prioritized, such as adjusting 25 LDCE quota posts under DPC quota (2017-18) and proposals to fill 225 newly created PS Group B posts exclusively through DPC quota.

Impact on Postmasters

Postmasters serve as the backbone of the Postal Department, implementing flagship projects and ensuring service delivery. Middle-level administrative offices often function as intermediaries, forwarding instructions from the Directorate, while Postmasters ensure their execution on the ground.

The proposed abolition of LDCE quotas:

• Denies hard-working Postmasters their rightful career progression.
• Disregards their role as front-line implementers of critical departmental initiatives.

Historical Precedent and Legal Concerns

The BPEF also pointed out legal inconsistencies:

• Recent recruitment decisions violated statutory provisions, such as the Junior-Senior Clause omission in the PS Group B LDCE Exam 2023 notification.
• Inspector Posts RRs were previously amended to allow Direct Recruitment via Staff Selection Commission, removing an internal promotion share.

Demands of the BPEF

The Bharatiya Postal Employees Federation strongly urges the Department to:

1. Restore and increase the LDCE quota from 6% to 25% to ensure fair promotional opportunities for Supervisory Cadre officials.
2. Disclose the reasons behind the proposed amendments for transparency.
3. Abolish unjust favoritism towards DPC promotions and fill LDCE quota vacancies promptly.
4. Recognize the contributions of Postmasters and Selection Grade Supervisors by protecting their promotional avenues.

Conclusion

The proposed amendments to the PS Group B Recruitment Rules 2024 are a step backward and threaten the career progression of Postmasters and Supervisory Cadre officials. These changes undermine their hard work, dedication, and critical role in the success of the Postal Department. The BPEF calls upon the Secretary (Posts) to intervene immediately, safeguard the interests of all stakeholders, and render justice by revisiting the proposed amendments.