Request for relaxation in service conditions, early DPC, and filling up of vacant JTS/STS posts – regarding

 To,

1. The Secretary (Posts)

     Dak Bhawan, Sansad MargNew Delhi – 110001

2. The Director General Postal Services

    Dak Bhawan, Sansad MargNew Delhi – 110001

NO. Chq/POA/24/2025-2027                                                Dated 08.04.2026.

Subject: Request for relaxation in service conditions, early DPC, and filling up of vacant JTS/STS posts – regarding

Respected Sir,

        On behalf of the Postal Officers Association (India), I most respectfully wish to draw your kind attention once again to the acute shortage of officers in the JTS and STS cadres and the urgent need to address the issue in the interest of administrative efficiency as well as officer welfare.

        It is respectfully submitted that the Directorate has earlier granted relaxation in the required service conditions on two occasions (in 2015 and again in 2024) for filling up posts in HSG-I and HSG-II cadres. In the same spirit, it is earnestly requested that similar relaxation may kindly be considered for filling up STS posts by granting necessary relaxation in eligibility conditions to eligible JTS officers. Consequently, the vacancies arising in JTS may be filled through timely DPC from Group ‘B’ officers. This will effectively address the existing shortage in both JTS and STS cadres and ensure timely promotion of eligible Group ‘B’ officers.

        At present, the situation at the field level is extremely challenging. A large number of posts remain vacant, resulting in officers being assigned double or even triple charges. This has placed an excessive administrative burden on officers, adversely affecting their efficiency, work-life balance, and ultimately the quality of service delivery to the public. The Department’s objective of transforming operations into a profit-oriented and efficient system is difficult to achieve under such constraints.

    As per the latest Civil List issued as on 01.01.2026, the vacancy position is as under:

    STS: 102– 60 = 42 vacant

    JTS: 151 – 133 = 18 vacant

    Training Reserve: 30– 7 = 23 vacant

    Leave Reserve: 5

    Deputation: 51– 30 = 21 vacant

        The above figures clearly indicate a significant shortage of officers in the JTS/STS cadres.

    It is also pertinent to mention that due to the non-availability of regular officers, several anomalies have arisen. In many instances, senior officers are compelled to work under junior officers due to ad hoc arrangements or current duty charges. For example:

        Such situations create administrative anomalies, affect morale, and place senior officers in awkward professional circumstances. These need to be addressed urgently in the interest of maintaining proper hierarchy and discipline.

    It is further submitted that as per DoPT guidelines, DPCs should be conducted in advance (ideally six months prior) to ensure that panels are readily available for filling vacancies as and when they arise. While this practice is followed in higher grades, it has not been consistently implemented for promotions from Group ‘B’ to JTS, resulting in a prolonged gap. Notably, DPCs for JTS were not conducted from 2016 to 2023, which has significantly contributed to the present shortage in STS as well.

        Additionally, the vacancies of JTS reported to UPSC for the years 2025 and 2026 are not likely to be filled before 2028–2029. Therefore, it is humbly suggested that:

* All clear vacancies in JTS may be filled immediately on a regular basis through DPC.

* For anticipated vacancies where UPSC recruits may take time, ad hoc promotions may kindly be considered to ensure continuity of work.

* Further, officers who are presently holding double or triple charges may kindly be granted appropriate financial compensation for the additional responsibilities being discharged by them.

* In view of the above, the Postal Officers Association (India) most earnestly requests that:

* Necessary relaxation in service conditions be granted for promotion to STS.

* Immediate DPC be conducted to fill all vacant JTS posts from eligible Group ‘B’ officers.

* Adhoc promotions may kindly be considered to ensure continuity of work on anticipated vacancies where UPSC recruits may take long time approx 2 to 3 years 

*  All existing anomalies where senior officers are working under junior officers be rectified at the earliest.

 * Ad hoc arrangements be regularized in a fair and structured manner.

* Appropriate compensation be granted to officers handling multiple charges.

        These measures will not only improve administrative efficiency but also boost the morale of officers and significantly enhance service delivery to the public.

    The Association shall remain ever grateful for your kind and welfare-oriented consideration in this matter.

                                                                                                                Yours faithfully,

                                                                                                                (Rajiv Kumar)                                                                                                                                            General Secretary

                                                                                                        Postal Officers Association (India)    

Copy to : The Dy. Director General (P), Dak Bhawan New Delhi.