Seniority of Central Government Employees : Frequently Asked Questions And Answers by DOPT

Seniority : Frequently Asked Questions And Answers by DOPT

The Pay commission, Promotion, Increment and Dearness Allowance are the main four core topics, all the central government employees want to talk about whenever they happened to meet with their colleagues. Like dearness allowance and Increment, the position of their seniority also been watched by every central government employee every year. Because seniority is one of the main criteria determines their promotional chances. Many doubts have been raised by our viewers regarding the seniority and the factors which determine their seniority. This FAQ published by the DOPT on Seniority will help all the government servants to clear their doubts.

DOP&T’s File No. 20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 11th November 2010
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment (D)

SENIORITY : FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. From which date the various provisions of consolidated instructions on seniority applicable?

Unless specifically, otherwise provided against each instruction, the said instructions are effective from the date of the relevant O.M. by which they were issued, prospectively.

2. To whom the instructions on seniority issued vide DOP&T’s O.M.No.20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 10.11.2010 are applicable?

The instructions on seniority issued vide DOP&T’s O.M.No.20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 11.11.2010 are applicable in determination of seniority of the Government servants in Central Civil Services and Civil Posts except such Services and Posts for which separate principles have already been issued or may be issued by the Government.

3. Whether the instructions on seniority issued by DOP&T are applicable to PSUs/Autonomous Bodies/Banks etc.?

No. The seniority of the officers working in PSUs/autonomous bodies/ organisations /banks are governed by regulations/instructions issued by concerned Administrative Department/ PSUs/banks etc.

4. How the seniority of all direct recruits is determined?

The seniority of direct recruit is in the order of merit in which they are selected for appointment on the recommendations of UPSC or other selecting authority. The persons appointed as a result of earlier selection being senior to those appointed on subsequent selection. O.M.No.20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 11.11.2010DoP&T’s File No. 20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 11th November 2010

5. Whether the seniority of direct recruits is determined by the date of confirmation?

No. The relative seniority of direct recruits that used to be determined earlier according to date of confirmation and not original order of merit (in cases where confirmation was in an order different from order of merit indicated at the time of their appointment) has been discontinued with effect from 4.11.1992. O.M. No. 20011/5/90-Estt. (D) dated 04.11.1992

6. How will the inter-se seniority be fixed if a direct recruit officer joins late ?

Seniority in such cases will be determined according to O.M. No. 9/23/71-Estt.(D) dated 06.06.1978 and O.M. No.35015/2/93-Estt.(D) Dated 09.08.1995

7. How seniority of candidates of two different panels is determined, in case both the panels are received on the same date?

The seniority of candidates of two different panels received on the same date is determined by the following procedure: 
(i) Chronology of recommendation letter; 
(ii) Where the date of recommendation letter is same, chronology of Interview Board reports and 
(iii) Where both (i) and (ii) are also same, then the chronology of requisition made by the respective Ministries/Departments. O.M. No. 20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 11.11.2010

8. How seniority of candidates is determined in case two results of recruitment through examination are announced for selection to same grade or post within the same year.

The seniority of the candidates will be determined as per date of publication/announcement of result. The candidate of the result announced earlier shall be senior to the candidate of the result announced later. DoP&T’s File No. 20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 11th November 2010

9. How the seniority of the promotee officer is determined?

The inter-se seniority of a officer promoted on the basis of the recommendation of a DPC either by selection or non-selection method as per due procedure, shall be determined as in the feeder grade from which they are promoted. O.M. No. 20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 11.11.2010

10. How seniority of a promotee officer is determined in cases where more than one feeder grade is prescribed for promotion to the higher grade and specific quotas are given?

In such cases, the officer in each grade assess a fit by the Departmental Promotion Committee shall be interpolated in the ratio prescribed in each grade in the Recruitment Rules for the post, for the purpose of determination of seniority(principle of rota quota).

11. Is a SC/ST Government servant promoted by virtue of rule of reservation entitled to consequential seniority?

Yes. A SC/ST Government servant on promotion by virtue of rule of reservation roster will be entitled for consequential seniority. O.M. No. 22011/1/2001-Estt.(D) 21.01.2002

12. Can a General/OBC category Government servant promoted through a later DPC regain his seniority of the feeder grade on promotion to higher grade?

No. A General/OBC category officer promoted through a later DPC will be placed junior to the SC/ST category Government servant promoted through earlier DPC even though by virtue of rule of reservation. O.M. No. 22011/1/2001-Estt.(D) 21.01.2002

13. What is co-relation between seniority in a grade and reservation roster for other grade? OR Whether a candidate is placed in the seniority list of a grade, as per his position in the reservation roster or viceversa?

There is no co-relation between seniority in a grade and the reservation roster for the said grade. Seniority of an officer is determined as per order of merit given by UPSC or selecting authority or panel of promotion given by DPC. A reservation roster/points are meant only for identifying the vacancy that goes to a particular category of officer. DoP&T’s File No. 20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 11th November 2010

14. How the relative seniority of direct recruit and promotee is determined?

The relative seniority of direct recruit and promotee is determined according to rotation of vacancies between available direct recruits and promotees which is based on quota of vacancies reserved for direct recruitment and promotion respectively in the recruitment rules. O.M. No. 35014/2/80-Estt.(D) dated 07.02.1986

15. How year of availability in regard to determination of relative seniority of direct recruits and promotee is determined?

The year of availability, both in case of direct recruit as well as promotee, for the purpose of rotation and fixation of seniority is actual date of appointment after declaration of result/selection and completion of pre-recruitment formalities, as prescribed. The year of availability is a vacancy year in which a candidate of a particular batch of selected direct recruitment or an officer of a particular batch of promotee joins the post/service. O.M. No. 22011/1/2006-Estt.(D) dated 03.03.2008

16. Is a candidate appointed against the carry forward vacancy of earlier recruitment year, allow the seniority of the year in which the vacancy arose?

No. The seniority of direct recruits and promotees is delinked from the vacancy and year of vacancy. O.M. No. 35014/2/80-Estt.(D) Dated 07.02.1986

17. What is the starting point in the recruitment roster for the purpose of inter-se seniority of officers through direct recruitment, promotion, absorption etc.

The starting point in the recruitment roster for the purpose of inter-se seniority of officers through direct recruitment,promotion, absorption etc. will be as per provisions contained DOP&T’s O.M.No.28011/6/76-Estt.(D) dated 24th June, 1978.

18. How the seniority of an Officer absorbed after being on deputation or absorbed directly without being on deputation determined?

The seniority of an Officer absorbed after being on deputation or absorbed directly without being on deputation, If he has been holding already (on the date of absorption) the same or equivalent grade on regular basis in his parent department, is determined from the date he has been holding DoP&T’s File No. 20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 11th November 2010 the post on deputation or the date from which he has been appointed on a regular basis to the same or equivalent grade in his parent department whichever is earlier. 
The fixation of seniority in aforesaid manner, however, will not effect any regular promotion to the next higher grade made prior to the date of such absorption. O.M. No. 22011/1/2000-Estt.(D) Dated 27.03.2001

19. How seniority of two or more surplus employees of a particular grade in an office determined in the event of their simultaneous selection for re-deployment in another office?

In this case, inter-se seniority in particular grade, on re-deployment in the latter office, would be the same as it was in the previous office. O.M. No. 9/22/68-Estt. (D) Dated 06.02.1969

20. How seniority of a reemployed officer determined?

For determination of seniority of re-employed officer is treated as direct recruit. Where Recruitment Rules of the post against which appointment is being made prescribed re-employment as a distinct mode of recruitment .then The inter-se seniority of persons so re-employed shall be determined in accordance with order of selection. 
The relative seniority of persons so re-employed in relation to direct recruits and promotees shall be determined: 
Where the Recruitment Rules prescribes specific quota for each of the categories (direct recruitment, promotion and reemployment) then seniority is determined on the basis of rotation of vacancies based on the said quota. In other cases, on the basis of chronology of selection. O.M. No. 20011/3/80-Estt(D) Dated 16.06.1980DoP&T’s File No. 20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 11th November 2010

21. How the seniority of a meritorious sports person appointed in relaxation of Recruitment Rules determined?

Where sportsmen are recruited through the Employment Exchange or by direct advertisement and are considered along with other general category candidates, they may be assigned seniority in the order in which they are placed in the panel for selection. Where recruitment to a post is through a selection made by the Staff Selection Commission, whether by the competitive examination or otherwise, the sportsmen recruited in the department themselves should be placed en bloc junior to those who have already been recommended by the Staff Selection Commission. 
The inter se-seniority of sportsmen will be in the order of selection. O.M.No.14015/1/76-Estt.(D) dated 4.8.1980

22. How the seniority of a person appointed on compassionate grounds is determined?

A person appointed on compassionate ground in a particular year is placed at the bottom of all the candidates recruited/appointed through direct recruitment, promotion etc. in that year, irrespective of date of joining of candidate on compassionate appointment. O.M. No. 20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 11.11.2010

23. How seniority of persons selected for appointment to different posts in the same grade requiring different qualification determined?

The seniority of persons selected for appointment to different posts in the same grade requiring different qualifications is determined as per provisions of para 4.9 of O.M. No. 20011/1/2008-Estt.(D) dated 11.11.2010

(Smita Kumar)
Director(E.I)

source : DOPT

http://persmin.nic.in/DOPT/Seniority_Instructions_Guidelines/FAQ_Seniority.pdf

Recruitment Rules - Deputation, Qualifying Service, Promotions, Absorption etc.: FAQ by DoPT

No. AB.14017/13/2013-Estt. (RR) (1349)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training)

North Block, New Delhi

FAQs on Recruitment Rules

  

1. What are Recruitment Rules?

Ans. Recruitment Rules are rules notified under proviso to Article 309 or any specific statutes for post(s) prescribing inter alia the method of Recruitment and eligibility for such recruitment. It containsnotification part having substantive rules and schedule part (as per prescribed Annexure-I).Recruitment Rules are subordinate legislation and so, they are statutory in nature.

2. What are Service Rules?

Ans. Service Rules are Recruitment Rules for any of the Organized Central Services covering many aspects including constitution of the Service, seniority, probation and other conditions of service.

3. Whether Recruitment Rules are applicable retrospectively?

Ans. The legal position is that the posts are to be filled up as per the eligibility conditions prescribed in the Recruitment Rules in force at the time of occurrence of vacancies unless the Recruitment Rules are amended retrospectively. The practice has however been to give effect to the Recruitment Rules prospectively.

4. Why are Recruitment Rules framed?

Ans. As soon as decision is taken to create a new post/ service to upgrade any post or re-structure any service, the Recruitment Rules/ Service Rules are framed. Any post is filled up as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules/ Service Rules.

5. Why are Recruitment Rules amended?

Ans. Revision in the Recruitment Rules is made by way of amendment to incorporate changes due to implementation of Central Pay Commission Report, modification of orders/ instructions on the subject, creation/ abolition of posts etc. during the intervening period.

6. How Recruitment Rules are framed/ amended?

Ans. Recruitment Rules for Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ posts/ service are framed/amended by the administrative Ministry/Department in consultation with Department of Personnel & Training, Union Public Service Commission and Ministry of Law (Legislative Department) and approval of competent authority in the Ministry/ Department to be obtained.

7. Why and how are Recruitment Rules relaxed?

Ans. The power to relax clause in the Recruitment Rules/ Service Rules provides the authority to relax the rules in respect of class or category of person.  The administrative Ministry/ Department may resort to relaxation of the rules consultation with Department of Personnel & Training and Union Public Service Commission.

8. Who is competent authority to frame/amend the Recruitment Rules?

Ans. All Recruitment Rules including their amendments should be approved at the level of Minister-in-charge, unless the Minister has by general or special order delegated such approval at a lower level(s).

9. Who is competent authority to frame/amend the Recruitment Rules of Group 'C' posts?

Ans. Administrative Ministries/ Departments are empowered to frame/ amend the Recruitment Rules in respect of Group 'C' posts keeping in view the guidelines/ Model Recruitment Rules issued by this Department on various aspects. In case of deviation from existing guidelines/ Model RecruitmentRules, the concurrence of Department of Personnel & Training is to be obtained.

10. Who is competent authority to relax the Recruitment Rules of Group 'C' posts?

Ans. The Ministries/ Departments are competent to relax the Recruitment Rules for Group 'C' posts. The provisions governing upper age limit or qualifications for direct recruitment should not however be relaxed without prior concurrence of Department of Personnel & Training.

11. What is the format/ procedure to send the proposal for consultation with Department of Personnel & Training for framing/amendment of Recruitment Rules?

Ans. Proposal for framing/ amendment of Recruitment Rules fs r Group 'A' & Group 'B' posts (except Service Rules) is sent to Department f Personnel & Training, first, on-line under Recruitment Rules Framing Amendment and Monitoring System (RRFAMS) of the on-line services of Department of Personnel & Training. After approval of on-line Recruitment Rules in Department of Personnel & Training, the proposal is referred by the Administrative Ministry/ Department in a file with a self-contained note accompanied inter alia the following: -

(i) Check-list for sending proposal to Department of Personnel & Training.

(ii) Copy of the report of freezed on-line Recruitment Rules.

(iii) Draft Recruitment Rules including notification and Schedule 1 (for posts other than those in the Organized Services) in the proforma in Annexure I.

(iv) Supporting particulars in Annexure II (for framing of Recruitment Rules)/ Annexure-III (for amendment of Recruitment Rules), as prescribed in Department of Personnel & Training OM No. AB.14017/48/2010-Estt.(RR) dated 31.12.2010.

(v) Recruitment Rules for the feeder posts(s) and the higher post, if any.

(vi) Present sanctioned strength of the post for which rules are being framed/ amended as also of the lower and higher posts.

12. What are model Recruitment Rules?

Ans. Model Recruitment Rules for a number of common categories of posts have been framed in consultation with Union Public Service Commission, wherever required. While framing/ amendingRecruitment Rules for such posts, the model rules should be adhered to.

13. What is procedure for consultation with Union Public Service Commission?

Ans. After obtaining the concurrence of the Department of Personnel & Training, the Administrative Ministry / Department should refer the draft Recruitment Rules for posts/ services which are within the purview of the Union Public Service Commission in a self-contained letter to the Commission, along with the information in the prescribed proforma (Check list, Annexure II/ Annexure-III etc.). It should be stated in the letter to the Commission whether the clearance of the Department of Personnel & Training (and also the Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare were required) ha been obtained in respect of the proposals in question.

14. What is initial constitution clause in Recruitment Rules?

Ans. In cases where a new service is formed and the Recruitment Rules are framed for the first time and that there are officers already holding different categories of posts proposed to be included in the service on regular / long term basis, a suitable 'Initial Constitution' Clause may be inserted in theNotification so as to count the regular service rendered by such officers before the date of notificationof the Rules.

15. Whether reservation, relaxation of age limit and other concessions for special categories of persons are applicable in Recruitment Rules .

Ans. These concessions in recruitments are made applicable by inserting the following 'Saving Clause' in the covering notification of the Recruitment Rules:-

"Nothing in those rules shall affect reservations, relaxation of age-limit and other concessions required to be provided for the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, Ex-servicemen and other special categories of persons, in accordance with the orders issued by the Central Government from time to time in this regard".

16. What is the schedule in Recruitment Rules?

Ans. The schedule of Recruitment Rules of post(s) is a 13 columns table as per prescribed Annexure-I (vide OM No. AB-14017/48/20l0-Esft. (RR) dated 3 1.12.2010) containing details of the post(s) along with method of recruitment and eligibility criteria. The prescribed schedule is used for post(s) which are not covered by any organized service.

17. What is notification part of Recruitment Rules?

Ans. Notification of Recruitment Rules contains the substantive rules which include the provisions related to title, date of commencement, enabling provision for applicability of schedule, disqualification clause, power to relax clause, saving clause and any other rule specific to a post viz, initial constitution clause, liability for all-India Service etc.

18. What are the upper age limits prescribed for Direct Recruitment?

Ans. The upper age limits for different posts depend upon the nature of duties, educational qualifications and experience requirements as prescribed in this Department OM No. AB- 14017/48/201 0-Estt (RR) dated 31 .1 2.2010 (Para 3.7.4.1 & 3.7.4.2).

19. What are relaxations available for upper age limit in direct Recruitment Rules?

Ans. A provision is prescribed in the recruitment rules for relaxation of the upper age-limit for departmental candidates up to 40 years for appointment by direct recruitment to Groups C posts and for Government servants up to 5 years for direct recruitment to Groups A and B posts:

20. How to calculate crucial date for age limit?

Ans. In the case of recruitment through the Union Public Service Commission and the Staff Selection Commission, the crucial date for determining the age- limit shall be as advertised by the UPSC / SSC. In the case of other recruitment, the crucial date for determining the age-limit shall be the closing date for receipt of applications from candidates in India (and not the closing date prescribed for those in Assam etc.).

21. How is the educational and other qualification required for direct recruit fixed?

Ans. The minimum educational qualifications and experience required for direct recruitment may be indicated as precisely as possible and if necessary, into two parts, viz., “Essential Qualifications” and “Desirable Qualifications” taking into account the pay band! grade pay and the nature of duties, and the provisions in the approved Recruitment Rules for similar higher and lower posts in the same hierarchy.

22. Whether the educational qualifications prescribed for direct recruits are applicable to promotees?

Ans. The educational qualifications are not generally insisted upon in the case of promotion to posts of non-technical nature; but for scientific and technical posts, these should be insisted upon, in the interest of administrative efficiency, at least in the case of senior Group A posts in the Pay Band-3 Grade Pay Rs. 6600 and above. Sometimes the qualifications for junior Group A posts and Group B posts may not be insisted upon in full but only the basic qualification in the discipline may be insisted upon.

23. Whether any age limit prescribed for promotion?

Ans. Unless there are any specific grounds, the age limit prescribed for direct recruits are not insisted upon in the case of promotees.

24. When probation for appointment to a post/service in Central Government is prescribed? What is the duration of probation?

Ans. The probation is prescribed when there is direct recruitment, promotion from one Group to another e.g. Group B to Group A or officers re-employed before the age of superannuation. There will be no probation for promotion from one grade to another but within the same group of posts e.g. from Group ‘C’ to Group ‘C’ and for appointment on contract basis, tenure basis, re-employment after superannuation and absorption. The period of probation is as prescribed in this Department OM No. AB-14017/48/2010-Estt (RR) dated 3 1.12.2010 (Para 3.10.1 & 3.10.2).

25. What are the methods of recruitments?

Ans. The different methods of recruitment are:
(a) Promotion
(b) Direct Recruitment
(c) Deputation
(d) Absorption
(e) Re-employment
(f) Short-term contract

26. How is the method of recruitment or percentage of vacancies to be filled by various methods of recruitment decided?

Ans. The percentage of vacancies to be filled by each method that may be prescribed for a particular post or Service depend on a judicious blending of several considerations, e.g.,
(i) the nature of duties, qualifications and experience required;
(ii) the availability of suitable personnel possessing, the requisite qualifications and experience within a cadre. .
(iii) The need for ensuring that suitable incentives exist for the maintenance of an adequate standard of efficiency in the cadre;
(iv) Consideration of the question whether, having regard to the role to be performed by a specified cadre or Service, it is necessary to provide for direct intake of officers at an appropriate level with a view to injecting fresh knowledge and experience that may not be normally available in a particular Service or Department etc.
(v) The proper mix of the six methods of recruitment i.e. (a) promotion (b) direct recruitment (c) deputation (d) absorption (e) re-employment (I) short-term contract (mentioned at (a) to (f) above).

27. What is promotion?

Ans. Promotion is method of recruitment from feeder grade post(s) to higher post in the hierarchy as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules. If promotion is kept as a method of recruitment, it is also necessary to lay down the number of years of qualif5ring service before the persons in the field become eligible for promotion. Only regular, and not ad hoc, period of service is taken into account for purposes of computing this service.

28. What is Direct Recruitment?

Ans. Direct recruitment is the recruitment which is open to all candidates, eligible as per the provisions regarding age, educational qualification! experience etc. as prescribed in Recruitment Rules.

29. What is Deputation?

Ans. Deputation is a method of recruitment where officers of Central Government Departments or State! UT Governments from outside are appointed to post(s) in Central Government for a limited period, by the end of which they will have to return to their parent cadres. In case of isolated post, it is desirable to keep the method of recruitment of deputation! short term contract as otherwise the incumbents of such posts, if directly recruited, will not have any avenue of promotion! career progression.

30. What is short term contract?

Ans. Short term contract is also a form of deputation where officers from non-
Government bodies e.g. universities, research institutions, public sector undertakings for teaching, research, scientific and technical post(s) can come to Central Government posts.

31. Whether absorption and Deputation are synonymous? What is absorption?

Ans. Absorption and deputation are not synonymous. There is a substantial difference between absorption and deputation. Under the provision absorption, the officer, who initially comes on deputation, may be permanently absorbed in the post! grade if recruitment rules prescribe for absorption as mode of recruitment. Such absorption can be effected only in the case of officers who are on deputation from the Central I State Government.

32. What is composite method of recruitment?

Ans. In cases where the field of promotion or feeder grade consists of only one post, the method of recruitment by “deputation (including short-term contract) / promotion” is prescribed so that the eligible departmental officer is considered along with outsiders. If the departmental candidate is selected for appointment to the post; it is to be treated as having been filled by promotion; otherwise, the post is to be filled by deputation I short-term contract for the prescribed period of deputation / short-term contract at the end of which the departmental officer will again be afforded an opportunity to be considered for appointment to the post.

33. How is field of deputation decided?

Ans. The field for “deputation! short-term contract! absorption should, as far as possible, consist of officers holding analogous posts on regular basis but may be widened to include officers working in the next lower grade also with the qualifying service on regular basis normally prescribed for promotion.

34. How is the period of qualifying service for promotion decided?

Ans. The qualifying service for promotion from one grade to another is necessary so that there is no premature promotion or undue jump in pay and also to ensure that the officer has sufficient opportunity to demonstrate his competence/potential for holding the higher post. The period of qualifying service varies from post to post depending upon the scale of pay and the experience, required for manning the higher post. Broadly, the following qualifying service to be followed is prescribed in this Department OM No. AB1 4017/48/2010-Estt (R.R) dated 31.12.2010 (para 3.12.2).

35. What is the maximum age limit for Deputation?

Ans. The maximum age limit for appointment on deputation (including short term contract) or absorption shall be not exceeding 56 years as on the closing date of receipt of applications.

36. What is the crucial date for determination of eligibility of absorption) deputation?

Ans. The guidelines for crucial date for determination of eligibility for absorption! deputation are as follows: -
(i) In the case of a vacancy already existing at the time of issue of the communication inviting nominations, the eligibility may be determined with reference to the last date prescribed for receipt of nominations in the Ministry/ Department! Organization responsible for making appointment to the post i.e. originating Ministry etc.
(ii) In the case where a vacancy is anticipated, the crucial date for determining eligibility should be the date on which the vacancy is expected to arise.

37. How is Departmental Committee formed?

Ans. When promotion is kept as a method of recruitment, the detailed composition of the Departmental Promotion Committee, with minimum 3 officers, may be indicated. In the case of promotion to Group ‘A’ posts, the Union Public Service Commission shall also be associated. The total strength of DPC including Chairman need not necessarily be an odd number, as the decision is to be taken as a joint one.

38. What are the circumstances in which Union Public Service Commission is to be consulted for recruitment?

Ans. 1.JPSC is required to consult in case of recruitment to all Central Civil Services and Central Civil Posts. Exemption from Consultation with Union Public Service Commission is governed by the Union Public Service Commission (Exemption from Consultation) Regulations, 1958 as amended from time to time and the Central Civil Services and Civil Posts (Consultation with Union Public Commission) Rules, 1999 as amended. Some of the circumstances in which the Union Public Service Commission are to be consulted in making recruitment to the posts are illustrated below: (i) Direct Recruitment,
(ii) Re-employment,
(iii) Absorption,
(iv) Composite method of recruitment (i.e. where the departmental candidate
is to be considered along with outsiders),
(v) In case of deputation — (a) if the field for consideration includes State Government Officers or Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ officers of the Central Government simultaneously and (b) if the field for consideration consists of not only Central/State Government officers but also officers from nonG overnment institutions
(vi) Any relaxation or amendment of the provisions of the Recruitment Rules.

39. Whether recruitment to a post can be made in absence of recruitment rules of a post?

Ans. If there are overriding compulsions for filling any Group A or Group B post in the absence of Recruitment Rules, then the Ministries! Department may make reference to Union Public Service Commission for determination of method of recruitment as a onetime measure for filling up of a post on regular basis.

40. What are the limits for notification of Recruitment Rules?

Ans. The Recruitment Rules or amendment(s) thereto as finally approved by the Union Public Service Commission are required to be notified within a period of 10 weeks from the date of receipt of their advice letter. This time limit should be strictly adhered to.

41. What needs to be done in case where posts are transferred to some other Ministries/ Departments?

Ans. The Ministry/Departments concerned should mutually agree for transfer of the posts and the same should be concurred by Department of Expenditure. Thereafter, the existing RR needs to be de-notified in consultation of Department of Personnel & Training, Union Public Service Commission and Ministry of Law. Suitable recruitment rules in the transferred Department may be framed? amended following due procedure.

Source : www.persmin.nic.in

[http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/AB.14017_13_2013-Estt-RR.pdf]

Courtesy : http://karnmk.blogspot.in/

Central Secretariat Service: Frequently Asked Question & Answer by DoPT

CS-I DIVISION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONCERNING CENTRAL SECRETARIAT SERVICE

Question 1	What is the role of CS-I Division?
Answer:	CS.1 Division looks after the cadre management of the Central Secretariat Service (C SS).
Question 2	What is the composition of CSS?
Answer:	CSS comprises the following Grades: S.No Group of post/grade Grade Classification 1. A Senior Selection Grade (Director) Central Civil Service Group A Ministerial 2 A Selection Grade (Deputy Secretary) Central Civil Service Group A Ministerial 3 A Grade-I (Under Secretary) Central Civil Service Group A Ministerial 4. B Section Officer Central Civil Service Group B Ministerial 5 B Assistant Central Civil Service Group B Ministerial
Question 3	What is sanctioned strength in each grade of CSS?
Answer:	As per CSS Rules 2009 notified on 27th February, 2009, the sanctioned strength in each grade of CSS is as under: ·                     Senior Selection Grade -110 ·                     Selection Grade (combined) -330 ·                     Grade-I (Under Secretary) -1400 ·                     Section Officer -3000 ·                     Assistant-4904 However, after the 2nd cadre restructuring of CSS in July, 2010, the combined strength in the grades of Deputy Secretary and Director has been fixed at 600, with a ceiling of 220 posts for Director and 40 posts for Joint Secretary (In-situ).
Question 4	What is the pay structure of the various Grades of CSS?
Answer:	The scales of pay attached to the various Grades of the Service are as follows: (i) Senior Selection Grade: Rs. 37400-67000 (PB-4)+Rs.8700 (Grade Pay) (ii) Selection Grade: Rs.15600-39100 (PB-3) + Rs.7600 (Grade Pay) (iii) Grade Rs.15600-39100 (PB-3) + Rs.6600 (Grade Pay) (iv) Section Officers Grade: Rs.9300-34800 (PB-2) + Rs.4800 (Grade Pay) Note: The non-functional pay scale of Rs.15600-39100 (PB-3)+Rs,5400 (Grade Pay) is admissible to the Section Officers of the Service on completion of 4 years of approved service in that grade and the officers continue to be in Group B. (v) Assistants Grade: Rs.9300-34800 (PB-2)+Rs.4600 (Grade Pay)
Question 5	What is the mode of recruitment to CSS?
Answer:	·                     Vacancies in the grade of Assistant are filled by direct recruitment (75%), limited departmental competitive examination (10%) and promotion on seniority basis (15%). ·                     Vacancies in the grade of Section Officer are filled by promotion on seniority basig from the grade Of Assistant (50%) and by LimitedDepartmental Competitive Examination (50%). ·                     Vacancies in the grade of Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Director are filled by promotion.
Question 6:	What are the eligibility conditions for appearing at the Limited DepartmentalCompetitive Examination for the Section Officer grade?
Answer:	As per Central Secretariat Service Section officers' Grade (Limited DepartmentalCompetitive Examination) Regulations, 2010, the following are the eligibility conditions for Limited Competitive Examination for the Section Officer grade: ·                     Assistants of CSS or Personal Assistants of CSSS with five years approved service on the crucial date, and ·                     At least four Annual Performance Appraisal reports in the grade of Assistant or Personal Assistant ·                     The Personal Assistants of CSSS should possess a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
Question 7	How is eligibility for promotion in relation to any grade of CSS determined?
Answer:	In case of promotion to a particular grade of CSS, eligibility is determined on the basis of completion of required number of years of approved service as under: ·                     In the case of direct recruits, the approved service in the grade is counted from the 1st day of the July of the year following the year in which the examination for direct recruitment is held; ·                     in the case of officers recruited through Departmental examination from the 1s day of the July of the year for vacancies of which such examination was held ,and ·                     in the case of officers recruited to a grade on the basis of length of service in the lower grade from the 15t day of July of the year for which the recruitment is made. Promotions are made from amongst eligible officers within the zone of consideration subject to fitness and vigilance clearance.
Question 8	Whether any Cadre restructuring of CSS has been conducted?
Answer:	The Cadre Restructuring of CSS has been conducted twice in October, 2003 and July, 2010. The decisions taken as a result of these restructurings are available in the DOP&T website (www.persmin.nic.in >DOP&T >Central Secretariat >CSS > Restructuring)
Question 9	In which cases cadre clearance is required from CS.- I Division?
Answer	Cadre clearance in advance is required from CS.1 Division when a CSS officer of the grade of Under Secretary and above applies for ·                     a post on deputation, ·                     long term domestic training and ·                     foreign visit on personal grounds. Note: In the case of foreign training, cadre clearance from CS.I Division is necessary for officers of all grades of CSS.
Question 10	What matters are being controlled in a centralized manner in CSS?
Answer	The matters being controlled centrally in CS-I Division are: ·                     Regular appointments to all grades of CSS ·                     Inter-ministerial postings and transfers of all CSS officers ·                     Rotational transfers in all grades of CSS ·                     Maintenance of Post Based Reservation Roster for the grades of SO and Under Secretary ·                     Maintenance of APARs in respect of Under Secretaries and above ·                     Maintenance of Immovable property Return in respect of Under Secretaries
Question 11	How are ex-cadre/newly created posts encadred in CSS?
Answer	The Ministry/Department wishing to encadre ex-cadre/newly created posts in CSS is required to send a format proposal in this regard in a prescribed format to CS-I Division. Such proposals are considered keeping in view the pay structure, duties and responsibilities, likelihood of continuance of the posts etc for encadrernent in respective grades of CSS.
Question 12	What is the procedure for processing the applications for VRS by CSS personnel?
Answer	Whenever a CSS officer (of the grades of Under Secretary and above) gives notice of voluntary retirement, this will be examined/processed by the respective Ministry having regard to the rules on the subject and will be referred to DOP&T for final approval after the same has been approved by the Secretary in-charge of that Ministry/Department.
Question 13	How the applications for re-employment and commercial employment of retired CSS personnel are to be channeled?
Answer:	Any proposal for extension in service/re-employment in respect of a CSS officer (of the grades of Under Secretary and above) will be examined by the Administrative Ministry in the light of extant instructions and will be referred to CS Division only after approval of the Minister in-charge of the Ministry/Department and giving detailed justification for further action. Proposal for commercial employment etc. after retirement of a CSS officer (of the grades of Under Secretary and above) may be processed by the Administrative Ministry/Department and referred to the CS Divisions of DOP&T for approval.
Question 14	Is there any RTP for CSS personnel?
Answer:	Yes, the revised Rotational Transfer Policy (RTP) for CSS officers was issued vide OM No. 21/2/2009-CS-I(P) dated 29/4/2009. This was subsequently modified vide OM No. 21/2/2009-CS-I(P) dated 8/4/2010. As per these guidelines, ·                     The combined tenure of CSS Officers in a particular Ministry/Department shall be five years in the case of Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Director. ·                     The combined tenure of CSS officers in a particular Ministry/Department shall be 7 years in the case of Section Officer/Assistants. ·                     On promotion, an official of CSS at any level shall be posted out of the Ministry/Department if he/she has served in the same Ministry/Department in any capacity for a period exceeding the prescribed tenure for the promotion post. ·                     If the CSS officers have two years' of service to retire, he will not come under the RTP, and on promotion, if any, he will be adjusted within the same Ministry/Department, if his/her Ministry/Department has a vacancy to accommodate him/her. ·                     If an officer has six months to retire, he is retained in the same Ministry even if no vacancy is available in the promotional grade in that Ministry, by upgrading the post held by him.
Question 15	Where a CSS officer will report on repatriation from deputation/study leave/long leave/ long term foreign training?
Answer	Officers of the level of Under Secretary and above on return from deputation/study leave/long leave/ long term foreign training are required to report to CS-I Division for further posting in the cadre. However, Assistants and Section Officers will report to the respective cadre units from where they proceeded on such deputation/training/leave.
Question 16	Whether there is any training programme for CSS officers?
Answer	A cadre training programme has been devised for CSS (CSS CTP) officers. The details are available in DOP&T website (www persmin nic. in > DOP&T >Central Secretariat > CSSTraining > Policy).
Question 17	What are the courses conducted under CSS-CTP ?
Answer:	a)             Level-A: Four weeks training for Upper Division Clerks who have rendered 4 years of approved service in the grade. b)             Level-B: Ave weeks training for Assistants who have rendered 6 years of service in the grade c)             Level-D : Eight weeks training for Section Officers who have rendered 6 years of approved service in the grade. d)             Level-E : Six weeks training out of which two weeks in the form of foreign component for Under Secretaries who have rendered 4 years of approved service in the grade. e)             Level-F: Three weeks training with one week foreign component for Dy. Secretaries who have rendered 4 years of approved service in the grade. f)              ADR(F)  : Sixteen weeks training for the Newly Recruited Assistants.
Question 18	What is the basis of nomination for the training?
Answer:	Nominations are made to each level of training as per the seniority of the officers, subject to vigilance clearance and ACR/APAR status.
Question 19	Is there any exemption from the CSS training?
Answer:	There shall be no exemption from mandatory training as a rule. However, the following cases could be considered for postponement from the mandatory training related to the promotions under the following circumstances: i) Maternity/Paternity leave/Mother care/Child Care up to 5 years after birth on the basis of medical certificate to be issued by AMA (as per CSMA Rules)

Source: www.persmin.nic.in

[http://persmin.gov.in/DOPT/RTICorner/ProactiveDisclosure/FAQ_CS-I.pdf]