Revision/Amendment in Recruitment Rules for the post of Postal Service Group ‘B’ – Draft notification

Important Update for Postal Staff: Revision in Recruitment Rules for Postal Service Group ‘B’

New Delhi, 2024: In a major move to update the existing recruitment framework, the Department of Posts (DoP) has issued a draft notification regarding the revision of Recruitment Rules for the post of Postal Service Group ‘B’. This notification is set to supersede the earlier rules, including the Postal Superintendent/Postmaster Group ‘B’ Recruitment Rules, 1987 and the subsequent amendments made in 1993. The revision aims to streamline the recruitment process and ensure more efficiency in the system.

What Does This Mean for Postal Staff?

This notification outlines significant changes to the recruitment procedures, classification, and qualifications required for the role of Postal Service Group ‘B’ (PS Gr.B). The revised rules will be enforced once they are officially published in the Gazette of India, and it is crucial for all concerned to review these updates carefully. The draft is open for comments, and stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback within 30 days of the notification’s issue.

Key Highlights of the Revised Recruitment Rules:

1. Title and Commencement:
   • The revised rules are called the Department of Posts, Postal Service Group ‘B’ Recruitment Rules, 2024, and they will come into effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Posts and Classifications:
   • The number of posts, their classification, and the corresponding pay levels are specified in the schedule annexed to the rules. As per the draft, the Postal Service Group ‘B’ posts are categorized as General Central Service, Non-Ministerial, and Gazetted Group ‘B’, with a selection-based recruitment method.
3. Age Limit, Qualifications, and Method of Recruitment:
   • The detailed method of recruitment, age limit, qualifications, and other criteria for direct recruits, promotion, deputation, and absorption have been laid out in the schedule. It is important to note that certain desirable qualifications may apply, but experience requirements are not mandatory for direct recruits.
4. Disqualification Clause:
   • In line with standard practices, candidates who are involved in certain marriages, such as marrying a person with a living spouse, may be disqualified for appointment to the post unless exempted by the Central Government for valid reasons.
5. Power to Relax:
   • The Central Government has been granted the authority to relax any provision of these rules for specific classes or categories of individuals, in consultation with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), should the need arise.
6. Reservation and Concessions:
   • As per existing policy, the rules will continue to provide necessary reservations and relaxations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), ex-servicemen, and other special categories, as prescribed by the Government.
7. Promotion Criteria:
   • For promotions, the rules detail the conditions under which departmental promotions will be considered, including qualifying service, probation periods, and seniority considerations. The promotion process will be overseen by a Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC), and the composition of the DPC is specified in the draft.
8. Consultation with UPSC:
   • It is noted that for recruitment under these rules, consultation with the UPSC is not required.

What’s Next?

The draft notification will remain open for comments for 30 days from its issuance. Postal employees and stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft thoroughly and submit their feedback, which will be considered before the final notification is published.

This change marks a significant step in improving the recruitment process and ensuring that the Department of Posts can continue to evolve in line with the requirements of modern administration. All concerned staff members and stakeholders should take note of these developments and stay informed for any further updates.

For further information or to view the full notification, please keep an eye on the official Gazette and DoP circulars.
Download it from here: Draft notification for revising the Recruitment Rules for Postal Service Group ‘B’ (PS Gr.B).

Update as 27.11.2024

The Debate Heats Up: Stakeholders Raise Concerns Over Group ‘B’ Recruitment Rules

This has sparked a flurry of discussions among postal employees, highlighting serious concerns over its potential impact. While the department aims to streamline the recruitment process, many stakeholders see these changes as a step toward exclusion and inequity.

Key Concerns Raised by Stakeholders

1. Elimination of LDCE: A Blow to Meritocracy
   The removal of the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) quota for Group ‘B’ promotions has been widely criticized. Historically, LDCE has been a fast-track route for talented and skilled employees to climb the ladder. The proposed rules, which now rely solely on Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC)-based selection, are seen as stifling opportunities for deserving candidates from lower cadres.

   Stakeholders argue that scrapping the LDCE is contrary to the ethos of a merit-based system, especially when higher-level positions (Class I) continue to rely on competitive examinations. This raises the question: If exams are essential for policy-making positions, why are they being removed at Group ‘B’ levels where operational expertise is crucial?

2. Exclusion of General Line Officials
   The draft rules appear to sideline general line officials from competing for Group ‘B’ posts. Historically, a 6% quota existed for clerical line officials in the LDCE. This provision empowered Lower Selection Grade (LSG) and above officials to aspire for administrative roles. The absence of this pathway in the new rules has left many feeling alienated and debarred from career progression.
3. Impact on Administrative Backbone: ASPOs
   Many believe that Assistant Superintendents of Posts (ASPOs) serve as the backbone of the postal administration. Stakeholders fear that the reliance solely on DPC for promotions could result in less competent officials occupying crucial roles, potentially jeopardizing operational efficiency.
4. Division Among Cadres
   There is growing concern that the proposed rules could divide the workforce rather than unify it. The perception that certain groups, such as Inspectors of Posts (IPs), are being favored while others, such as general line officials and LSG cadre, are being sidelined has created discontent. The proposal to grant gazetted status to HSG-I officials is seen as a strategic move to reduce resistance, further isolating LSG officials in their struggle.
5. A Call for Unity Across Unions
   The recent granting of separate status to the Supervisors’ Union has complicated the opposition. While HSG-II and HSG-I officials may benefit from the proposed rules, LSG officials, who make up the majority of the affected group, are left to fight alone. Stakeholders argue that all unions—from MTS to Class I—must unite to safeguard the interests of every cadre.

Why LDCE Matters

The LDCE system has long been a symbol of opportunity within the department. Its removal not only reduces competition but also risks promoting a culture where positions are filled based on seniority alone, without adequate consideration for merit and capability. Stakeholders argue that LDCE must remain intact, at least for Inspectors of Posts (IPs), to preserve the integrity of the promotion framework.

What Lies Ahead?

The draft notification has not yet been finalized, and this is the time for action. Stakeholders, particularly general line officials, must make their voices heard. Without a strong and united representation, the proposed rules could become a reality, further marginalizing many deserving employees.

A Mirage Called Gazetted Status

The promise of gazetted status for HSG-I officials is being viewed as a distraction. Critics believe it is a tactical move to pacify a section of employees, thereby diluting the opposition to the scrapping of LDCE. If the broader workforce fails to recognize this, the changes could lead to a permanent division between operative and administrative cadres, cementing inequality.

The message from stakeholders is clear: This is not just a battle for promotions; it’s a fight for fairness and the future of the department. All postal employees—whether from the general line, LSG, or supervisory cadre—must come together to oppose these revisions and demand a recruitment framework that values merit and inclusivity.

Time is running out, and inaction now could lead to irreversible consequences. The ball is in the court of all postal employees to ensure their rights and opportunities are preserved.
Stay tuned, and make sure to have your voice heard!