When it comes to ensuring smooth operations in postal divisions, Leave Reserve Postal Assistants (LR PAs) are essential—but only if they’re managed correctly. With specific rules and guidelines that can get lost in the details, here’s a breakdown of what every division needs to know about LR PAs and how to get the most out of them.
1. What Makes Someone Eligible to Be an LR PA?
Three Years of Experience Required: LR PAs should be selected from officials who have completed at least three years of service as of January 1st, drawn from the Divisional Gradation List.
10% of the Staff: LR PA numbers should be set at 10% of the total sanctioned strength of Time Scale Postal Assistants (PAs) and Lower Selection Grade (LSG) cadre officials. And here’s the kicker—the LR PA count should be in addition to the regular sanctioned strength.
Example for Clarity: If a division has a staff strength of 100 (Time Scale PAs & LSG), there should be 10 additional LR PA slots, making it a total of 110.
2. Sanctioned vs. Working Strength: Which One Matters?
A common point of confusion is whether to base the 10% calculation on sanctioned or working strength. The answer: it should be based on sanctioned strength, which includes both Time Scale PAs and LSG after cadre restructuring. This keeps the calculation consistent and ensures divisions have enough reserves without worrying about temporary staffing fluctuations.
3. Key Rules and Common Missteps with LR PAs
Not Counted as Tenure: The period an official serves as an LR PA doesn’t count towards their tenure in a regular role.
Vacancy Needs Attention: When someone is named an LR PA, the post they leave behind should be marked as vacant. This means, for example, that if a PA from Salem Head Office becomes an LR PA, that position should be listed as open, allowing another PA to be slotted in. But some divisions skip this step, which messes with the staffing count.
Appropriate Attachment: LR PAs should be attached to head post offices or larger LSG sub-offices (1+3 & above) to help cover short- or medium-term vacancies across the division.
No Permanent Assignments During Reserve: LR PAs shouldn’t be placed in any regular roles like Office Assistant (OA), Divisional Office, Treasurer, or similar posts. Their reserve status is meant to keep them flexible, so assigning them a permanent role actually goes against their intended purpose.
4. The Real Challenge: Lack of Manpower
Here’s where things get sticky: if the division doesn’t have enough working staff to meet the sanctioned numbers, finding 10% to serve as LR PAs can be nearly impossible. In other words, without a strong foundation of full staff, LR PAs can’t do their jobs as they should.