Clarification on Union Affiliation of Higher Selection Grade (HSG) Officials
It has come to the notice of the Postal Directorate that certain queries have been raised regarding the eligibility of officials holding posts in Higher Selection Grade-II (HSG-II), Higher Selection Grade-I (HSG-I), and HSG-I (Non-Functional Grade) to continue their association with Group ‘C’ service unions.
After careful consideration of the existing provisions and in light of ongoing verification mechanisms, the following clarification is issued for information and guidance:
1. Status of Union Membership
Officials currently serving in HSG-II, HSG-I, and HSG-I (NFG) may continue their membership in existing recognized Group ‘C’ unions, as per the present structure.
While it is true that there exists a proposal to constitute a distinct category of service association for these cadres under Group ‘B’ (Postal/RMS), such categorization has not yet been formally approved or recognized under the Central Civil Services (Recognition of Service Associations) Rules, 1993.
Until such time that the said proposal receives official sanction and is operationalized through verification and notification processes, the current arrangement shall continue without change.
2. Federated Union Structure
It is also clarified that several recognized federations and their affiliated unions continue to represent officials of the aforementioned grades within the broader framework of Group ‘C’. This is an established practice and remains valid unless otherwise revised by competent authority following due procedure.
3. Status Quo to Be Maintained
Accordingly, it is reiterated that status quo is to be maintained with respect to the union affiliation of HSG-II, HSG-I, and HSG-I (NFG) officials. They shall remain eligible for continued participation in Group ‘C’ associations, unless and until a separate recognized association is duly verified and notified by the competent authority.
This clarification is issued in the interest of administrative transparency and to avoid ambiguity at the field level during ongoing or future verification exercises.
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