Postman Exam - Important Events in the Department of Posts

 One Day, One Minute, One Rule – 309

According to the Department of Posts draft proposal dated 20th June, 2023, what are the primary modalities outlined for the proposed merger of the Sorting Assistant (SA) cadre and the unification of the Postal Assistant (Circle Office/Regional Office) cadre with the Postal Assistant (Post Office) cadre? 

Merger Modalities for the Sorting Assistant (SA) Cadre:

No further appointments will be made in the SA cadre from the prescribed cut-off date. 

Existing SAs can submit a written request to switch over to the PA (PO) cadre. Upon switching, their designation changes to PA (PO), but they initially remain on the strength of their parent RMS Division/Unit if not allotted elsewhere. They can submit up to five preferences for Postal Divisions within their parent Circle. 

Officials switching to PA (PO) will be placed en bloc below the existing PA (PO) gradation list as of a crucial date. However, their inter se seniority among the transitioning SA staff will be maintained exactly as it was in the SA cadre. Once transitioned, they cannot revert back to the SA cadre. 

All vacant SA posts and posts vacated by those who switch over will be converted to PA (PO) posts. Over time, the entire strength of the SA cadre will convert to PA (PO). 

Unification Modalities for the PA (CO/RO) Cadre:

No fresh appointments will be made directly into the PA (CO/RO) cadre after the cut-off date. Existing staff will continue in their hierarchy until promotion or retirement. 

Existing vacant posts and future vacancies arising in the PA (CO/RO) cadre will be added to the strength of the local geographically linked Postal Division (the feeder Division). 

Future postings from the Postal Division to the CO/RO will be handled on a tenure basis by a Transfer and Placement Committee (TPC). A mandatory cooling-off period of three (03) years is required between two tenures in a CO/RO. SAs, PA (PO), PA (FPO), and PA (SBCO) cadres are not eligible for transfer to the PA (CO/RO) cadre under Rule-38. 

(DG (P) No. Q-25/11/2022-PE-I-DOP dated 20th June, 2023)