Challenges in Rule 38 Transfers for Postman and MTS Cadres
Challenges in Rule 38 Transfers for Postman and MTS Cadres: A Call for Reform
The Federation of National Postal Organisations (FNPO) has brought attention to the ongoing challenges in the implementation of Rule 38 transfers for Postman and MTS cadres. Since 2021, employees seeking transfers under this rule have faced significant difficulties, leading to distress and disruption in their professional and personal lives. The FNPO has formally requested the intervention of the Department of Posts to resolve these issues at the earliest.
Key Issues in Rule 38 Transfers
1. The Impact of the "Zero Vacancy" Clause
One of the major hurdles in the Rule 38 transfer process is the "zero vacancy" clause. As per the existing guidelines, once the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) notification for Postman/MTS is issued, the vacancies in the Rule 38 portal are updated as "zero." This results in minimal opportunities for transfer, as only retirement vacancies up to February are considered in the March cycle. The June cycle includes retirements from March to May, but the majority of vacancies arise in July due to promotions to Postal Assistant (PA). Unfortunately, these vacancies are reserved for GDS candidates appearing in the LDCE exam instead of being allocated to Rule 38 transfers. This systematic exclusion has significantly restricted transfer opportunities.
2. Discrepancies in Vacancy Allocation Since 2021
Prior to 2021, departmental exams included vacancies from the previous year. However, with the introduction of the "Mission Recruitment Mode," vacancies arising in the same year were included in the same year's LDCE exam. While this expedited recruitment, it simultaneously halted Rule 38 transfers. For example:
In Tamil Nadu, 981 employees were promoted to Postal Assistant in 2022, yet none of these vacancies were allocated for Rule 38 transfers.
In 2023, 200 vacancies due to promotions were not included.
In 2024, 700 vacancies remained unconsidered. This trend has meant that since 2021, no vacancies have been added for Rule 38 transfers beyond the June cycle, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
3. Delays in Transfers for Senior Officials
Due to these restrictive policies, many senior Postman and MTS officials appointed in 2021 are still waiting for their Rule 38 transfers. Even those recruited under Compassionate Grounds and Sports Quota in 2021 have faced prolonged delays. Only employees benefiting from early retirements before June cycles have received transfers.
4. Contradictory Clauses in Rule 38 Transfer Guidelines
The Rule 38 guidelines contain conflicting clauses:
One clause states that all vacancies until the publication of final vacancies must be added to the Rule 38 transfer cycle.
Another mandates the "zero vacancy" update after the LDCE notification is issued. This discrepancy has led to inconsistent implementation across different postal circles. While some circles consider unanticipated vacancies, Tamil Nadu has strictly adhered to the "zero vacancy" clause, preventing employees from securing transfers.
5. New Selection Process in 2024 and Its Impact
In 2024, the selection process for Postman and MTS has been centralized at the circle level, akin to Postal Assistants. Given this change, allocating vacancies for Rule 38 transfers would not reduce recruitment numbers. Instead, vacancies would simply shift between divisions within the circle, ensuring staff strength remains balanced.
FNPO’s Request for Immediate Action
To address these pressing concerns, FNPO has put forward the following recommendations:
Remove the "zero vacancy" clause from Rule 38 transfer guidelines for Postman and MTS.
Include all anticipated and unanticipated vacancies arising in 2025 in at least one transfer cycle (March or September) since the number of transfer cycles has been reduced to two per year.
Ensure senior officials from the 2021 batch receive transfers by September 2025 if the "zero vacancy" clause is not removed.
Clarify the real reason for transfer denials, as many believe the 66.66% staff strength clause is responsible when, in reality, the "zero vacancy" clause is the primary issue.
Revise working condition policies by eliminating the 66% staff strength requirement, as substitute arrangements can be made for vacant Postman/MTS posts.
Implement a circle-level roster system for transfers instead of a division-level system, similar to Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant cadres.
A Call for Reform
The persistent issues in the Rule 38 transfer process have caused unnecessary distress to employees in the Postman and MTS cadres. FNPO has urged the Department of Posts to take immediate corrective measures to alleviate these concerns and ensure a fair and transparent transfer process. The resolution of these issues will not only benefit employees but also improve the efficiency and morale of the workforce within the postal department.
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