Apparently, a delightful situation has come almost after 20-25 years when staff side has had to come to the negotiable table for PS Group "B" cadre review. The essence of two meetings is that we have to accept merger of ASPs to IPs by surrendering gazetted status, ASPs presently enjoying. In turn approximately 500 posts of ASP will be upgraded into PS Group "B" cadre and GP of Rs.4600/- shall be allowed to Inspectors to make them comparable with Inspectors in CBDT/ CBEC after merger of remaining posts of ASP with the posts of IP. This is what the official side wants in writing to move the file to MOF for approval, implementation of orders on GP. Frankly speaking, there is every apprehension that they may quote the hierarchy problem in GP issue file also in case negotiation fails. It is therefore, a high time to accept the above proposal arising out of the negotiations held between Union side and Staff side, provided it is implemented simultaneously. The IP cadre will be benefited in the following way:
Ø GP of Rs.4600/- at entry stage.
Ø First MACP in GP of Rs. 4800/-(direct recruits) & 2nd for promotee after 10 years service in IP cadre
Ø Next promotion in PS Group “B’” in GP of Rs 4800/- after 17-18 years but without financial benefit.
Ø 2nd MACP in the GP of Rs.5400/- after 20 years in IP cadre. Thus, the IP having total 26 years of service can get 5400/- which today we are not getting even after 34 years of service even if inducted to IP cadre after rendering 6 years service in PA cadre.
Ø 3rd MACP in GP of Rs.5400/- in PB-3(direct recruits).
The next meeting now will only be held once we accept the merger and give it in writing, otherwise there will not be any subsequent meeting to chalk out the modalities for utilization of upgraded post in the chain of command. I, therefore, request all of you to allow GS to give this workable proposal to Directorate in writing without loosing time. There seems to be no logic to wait for circle conference or CWC. CS Punjab has already given his nod for the same to GS in the meeting itself.
One more important contention coming to my mind is that the Recruitment Rules to PS Group B 1987 should be amended restricting the entry of General line to 52 posts because Inspector cadre is shelling out for the cadre restructuring and not the General line. Thus, the benefit should not be shifted to General line official at the cost of IP Cadre.
Another significant question is the Defective Rules of Postmaster Cadre 2010, where IP having six years are entitled to appear in Sr Posmaster Exam whereas, the IP having five years service are eligible to appear in PS Group “B” Exam. What is the analogy? Not only this, ASP officials (IP Cadre) have been deprived of their legitimate right to appear in Sr Postmaster Exam. All the major circles have maximum number of ASP over IP. Hence, a small number of eligible candidates are there and try their luck, thanks to the defective rules enacted by persons without applying their mind. There is every likelihood that there may be a litigation on this count as Postmaster recruitment rules are running contrary to the earlier recruitment rules having many limitations.
