Request for One-Time Relaxation of Recruitment Rules for HSG-II and HSG-I Promotions
The Federation of National Postal Organisations (FNPO) has formally appealed to the Secretary of the Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi, to grant a one-time relaxation in recruitment rules for the promotion of officials to the Higher Selection Grade-II (HSG-II) and Higher Selection Grade-I (HSG-I) cadres.
Background of the Issue
Following the implementation of cadre restructuring within the postal department, a substantial number of HSG-II and HSG-I positions remain unfilled due to a lack of eligible candidates for promotion from the feeder cadre. Despite repeated requests from FNPO, the issue persists, resulting in significant administrative challenges. The vacant posts are currently managed through short-term arrangements, which have led to anomalies, including instances where junior officials are officiating over their senior counterparts.
Precedents and Challenges
In 2024, relaxation was granted for the 2022 and 2023 vacancies under the SPN section (Lr.No.X-4/2/2020-SPN-II dated 09.02.2024). However, due to delays in convening Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) across multiple circles, the intended benefit was not fully realized, leading to only a fraction of the positions being filled.
Previously, between 2004 and 2008, the department had introduced a similar one-time relaxation, extending ad-hoc promotions on an annual basis. This measure effectively addressed the backlog and ensured the smooth functioning of postal services. FNPO believes that adopting a similar approach now would be the most feasible solution to mitigate the current crisis.
Request for Immediate Intervention
In light of these circumstances, FNPO urges the Hon'ble Secretary, Department of Posts, to intervene in this pressing matter and approve a one-time relaxation in service rules. The Federation proposes that officials who have completed at least one year of service in their respective feeder cadre be considered eligible for promotion to HSG-II and HSG-I posts. This measure would facilitate timely promotions and maintain efficiency within the postal department.
Conclusion
Given the ongoing challenges in filling these crucial positions, FNPO strongly recommends the immediate implementation of the proposed relaxation. Addressing this issue promptly will not only uphold administrative efficiency but also ensure fairness in promotions, preventing further disruptions within the department.
The Federation remains hopeful that the Department of Posts will recognize the urgency of the matter and take appropriate steps to resolve the situation at the earliest.
