Proposal for Temporary Down-Gradation of 34 STS Posts to JTS Cadre
1. Background and Context
The Postal Officers Association (India) has submitted a proposal to the Secretary (Posts) requesting the temporary down-gradation of 34 Senior Time Scale (STS) Group-A posts to Junior Time Scale (JTS) Group-A cadre. This request arises due to an acute shortage of JTS officers eligible for promotion to STS, impacting administrative efficiency across Postal Circles and the Directorate.
2. Key Issues Highlighted
Shortage of JTS Officers:- Promotions to STS require 4 years of service in JTS, but there are insufficient eligible JTS officers.
- As of 01.01.2025, 34 STS posts remain vacant after accounting for promotions and retirements.
Operational Disruptions:
- Vacant STS posts affect the functioning of field units (Postal Circles) and Directorate divisions due to a lack of Controlling Officers.
3. Justification for Temporary Down-Gradation
The proposal cites Department of Posts (DoP) and Department of Expenditure (DoE) guidelines (OMs dated 27.09.2024 and 05.01.2024) permitting temporary down-gradation under specific conditions:
| Condition | Status |
|---|---|
| Downgrading to immediate lower-level posts in the same hierarchy (STS to JTS) | Proposed for 34 vacant STS posts. |
| Temporary arrangement due to ineligibility of feeder-grade (JTS) officers | JTS officers unavailable for STS promotions. |
| Limited to Promotional Quota | STS is a promotion quota for JTS; no fresh recruitment is involved. |
| Sanctioned posts in feeder + higher grade ≤ Combined strength | Condition fulfilled (No excess posts created). |
| Downgraded posts remain within Group-A | STS and JTS both belong to Group-A. |
| Approval by Competent Authority (DoE + Secretary, Posts) | Pending – Proposal under review. |
4. Impact of the Proposal
Administrative Relief:Filling JTS vacancies through downgraded STS posts would mitigate officer shortages.
Promotion Pathway:
Ensures career progression for STS officers once JTS vacancies are filled.
Financial Neutrality:
No additional expenditure; posts are reallocated, not newly created.
5. Supporting Data
STS Posts Snapshot (as of 01.01.2025):
Sanctioned STS Posts Filled (31.12.2023) Promotions (2024–25) Retirements/Exits (2024) Total Vacancies 102 65 09 01 34
6. Legal and Procedural Compliance
The proposal adheres to DoE’s OM No. 7(1)/E.Coord-1/2017 and DoP’s OM dated 27.09.2024.Approval Required:
- Department of Expenditure (Financial Advisor).
- Secretary (Posts) (Final administrative approval).
7. Recommendations
- Urgent Approval: Expedite decision-making to prevent operational delays.
- Transparent Review: Ensure compliance with service rules and financial guidelines.
- Future Safeguards: Develop a long-term recruitment/promotion strategy to avoid recurring shortages.
8. Conclusion
The temporary down-gradation of 34 STS posts to JTS is a pragmatic solution to address immediate staffing gaps while adhering to regulatory frameworks. Approval would ensure continuity in postal operations and uphold service efficiency.Attachments:
- DoP OM dated 27.09.2024.
- DoE OM No. 7(1)/E.Coord-1/2017 dated 05.01.2024.
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