If you’ve ever scratched your head over pay, allowances, or wondered what’s what with the Postal Assistant (PA) recruitment policies from years past, you’re not alone. Let’s break down the rules that shaped pay entitlements for those recruited during the 2009 wave—and even those from earlier backlog vacancies.
1. The Bulk Recruitment of 2009-2010
In 2009-10, India Post launched a significant recruitment drive, filling numerous vacancies for Postal Assistants and Sorting Assistants. At the time, we negotiated with the postal secretary to ensure fair policies, and the department agreed on certain rules: candidates would start in PA roles, receive hands-on training, and then be deputed to Postal Training Centers (PTCs).
2. Pay and Allowances: Joining vs. Training Periods
According to the Directorate’s order from January 1, 2010, PAs recruited in 2009 and 2010 would receive full pay and allowances starting from their initial joining date, even if their formal training had yet to begin. This ensured that all new recruits earned a salary from day one, regardless of their immediate assignment to training or work.
3. Clarifications for Direct Training
Another clarification arrived in September 2011: any candidate directly deputed to PTCs—without first reporting to a postal office—would also receive pay and allowances for the training period. This directive guaranteed uniformity, ensuring that all PAs trained at PTCs were fairly compensated.
4. The Backlog: Pre-2009 Vacancies
Fast-forward to 2021, when yet another letter reinforced the policy, extending pay entitlements to those filling backlog vacancies (years 2006 to 2008). If these positions were filled alongside 2009-10 vacancies, the new recruits would qualify for regular pay during their induction training.
5. Where to Seek Help
For any uncertainties, take your case to your divisional head or circle head. They can guide you through specific pay entitlement issues to ensure you’re covered under these clarified policies.
This breakdown should clear the air on pay and allowances for PA candidates, ensuring everyone’s on the same page about these key policy dates.