Understanding and Addressing Seniority in Gradation Lists for Postal Employees
The preparation of gradation lists, both at divisional and circle levels, is critical for determining the seniority of officials in the Department of Posts. These lists guide career progression, promotional opportunities, and eligibility for departmental examinations. Below is a detailed exploration of the principles, challenges, and guidelines surrounding gradation list preparation based on the discussions and rulings provided.
Types of Gradation Lists
- Divisional Level Gradation List:
- This list is specific to the divisional cadre and is influenced by factors such as date of joining within the division and Rule 38 transfers.
- Circle Level Gradation List:
- Applies to the entire postal circle, where seniority is often determined based on recruitment year and cadre hierarchy.
Key Factors in Preparing the Gradation List
- Seniority Among Batchmates:
When multiple candidates are recruited in the same batch, the following factors determine their placement in the gradation list:- Merit in Selection Process: Seniority is initially based on the merit ranking during recruitment.
- Date of Joining: If a higher-merit candidate joins later than their batchmates, the date of joining takes precedence, and the candidate is placed accordingly in the seniority list. Their merit ranking becomes secondary.
- Rule 38 Transfers:
- Officials who transfer under Rule 38 to a new division lose their previous divisional seniority. They are placed in the gradation list based on their date of joining in the new division.
- Candidates from Waiting Lists:
- When candidates from the waiting list are appointed to fill vacancies due to declination by initially selected candidates, their seniority is counted from their actual date of joining.
- Even if their merit is higher than those already appointed, they are placed below those who joined earlier in the same recruitment batch.
- Declination of Appointment:
- Candidates who decline their appointment and fail to join within the stipulated time lose their seniority. They may also face a debarment period of one year for further appointments.
- Reservation Quota vs. General Category:
- If a reserved category candidate has a lower merit ranking than a general category candidate appointed later from the waiting list, the reserved candidate retains their seniority based on the earlier date of joining.
Addressing Common issues
- Seniority of Later-Joinee with Higher Merit:
- Seniority is determined by the date of joining, not solely by merit. A candidate with higher merit but a later joining date is placed below those who joined earlier.
- Date of Birth as a Criterion:
- Date of birth is not a standard criterion for determining seniority unless explicitly mentioned in the recruitment or promotion rules for specific cadres.
- Discrepancies in Seniority:
- Officials facing anomalies in gradation lists, such as being placed below juniors, can represent their grievances for correction. Validations against the recruitment rules, joining dates, and applicable guidelines can resolve these discrepancies.
Enhancing Guidelines: Extension to Six Years for Circle Gradation List
(This paragraph is under review, may not be relavant)
The preparation of the circle gradation list has been recently revised, with the enhancement period agreed upon to extend to six years. This change aims to provide a broader timeframe for accurate seniority evaluations and alignment with recruitment and promotional policies.
Representation for Seniority Issues
Employees noticing irregularities in gradation lists should submit a formal representation to their divisional or circle offices. Such representations must include:
- Recruitment batch details.
- Date of joining.
- Merit list ranking.
- Instances of discrepancies, if any.
An accurate gradation list reflects fairness in promotions and ensures trust in the system. Periodic reviews and adherence to the outlined rules are critical to maintaining transparency.