Background
Pay Fixation of reemployed ESM Other Ranks /JCOs is a long pending issue in Central Govt Dept/Ministries. PBOR are allowed to draw only initial pay applicable to fresh recruits in the reemployed post. However, reemployed ex Soldier clerks and storemen are allowed to draw advance increment equal to number of years served in the armed forces, if reemployed in Clerical post / store man designation. According to para 16 (clarification) such pay fixation is subject to deduction of entire pension equivalent amount from pay so fixed after ignoring Rs 15/- only. This amount has not been revised since 1986, whereas for officers , the ignorable Amount has been revised to Rs 15,000/- in 7th CPC.
The Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications issued an important circular on 22nd April 2025, addressing the issue of pay fixation for ex-servicemen re-employed in the postal department, particularly in roles like Postal Assistant. The letter has been circulated to all Heads of Circle for uniform compliance.
Subject of Clarification
The core issue pertains to the applicability of Para 16 of the CCS (Fixation of Pay of Re-employed Pensioners) Orders, 1986—as referenced in DoPT’s OM No. 3/1/86-Estt-(P-II) dated 31.07.1986—to the post of Postal Assistant in Dept of Post.
Key Points of the Communication
1. Reference to Prior Communication
- The Department refers to a previous letter dated 10.09.2024, addressed to the Delhi Circle and copied to all Circles, which initiated this clarification process.
2. DoPT Clarification
- The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), through its ID Note dated 09.08.2024, has clarified that Para 16 of the said order applies specifically to:
- Lower Division Clerks (LDCs)
- Storemen
- However, the post of Postal Assistant is not explicitly mentioned in the said order, leading to inconsistent interpretations across postal circles.
3. Need for Further Clarification
- Due to these varied interpretations, the Department of Posts has referred the matter to the Nodal Ministry (presumably DoPT or Ministry of Personnel) for further clarification on the inclusion of Postal Assistant in the scope of Para 16.
4. Current Directive: Maintain Status Quo
- Until a formal clarification is received from the Nodal Ministry, all circles are directed to maintain status quo in such pay fixation cases.
Implications
- Ex-servicemen appointed as Postal Assistants may face delays or inconsistencies in pay fixation due to the ambiguity in policy interpretation.
- The circular reinforces the importance of uniform administrative decisions across all postal circles to ensure fair treatment and avoid legal complications.
Conclusion
The Department of Posts’ latest communication highlights a critical policy gap in the fixation of pay for re-employed ex-servicemen. Until the Nodal Ministry provides a definitive clarification, postal circles are advised to hold existing practices and avoid any changes that could further complicate matters.
Stakeholders, especially ex-servicemen in service or under consideration for Postal Assistant roles, are advised to remain informed and await further instructions.