application for Assured Career Progression
Answers
Answer:No.35034/1/97-Estt(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)
North Block, New Delhi 110001
August 9, 1999
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- THE ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES.
The Fifth Central Pay Commission in its Report has made certain recommendations relating to the Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme for the Central Government civilian employees in all Ministries/Departments. The ACP Scheme needs to be viewed as a ‘Safety Net’ to deal with the problem of genuine stagnation and hardship faced by the employees due to lack of adequate promotional avenues. Accordingly, after careful consideration it has been decided by the Government to introduce the ACP Scheme recommended by the Fifth Central Pay Commission with certain modifications as indicated hereunder:-
2. GROUP ‘A’ CENTRAL SERVICES
2.1 In respect of Group ‘A’ Central services (Technical/Non-Technical), no financial upgradation under the Scheme is being proposed for the reason that promotion in their case must be earned. Hence, it has been decided that there shall be no benefits under the ACP Scheme for Group ‘A’ Central services (Technical/Non-Technical). Cadre Controlling Authorities in their case would, however, continue to improve the promotion prospects in organisations/cadres on functional grounds by way of organisational study, cadre review, etc. as per prescribed norms.
3. GROUP ‘B’, ‘C’ AND ‘D’ SERVICES/POSTS AND ISOLATED
POSTS IN GROUP ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ AND ‘D’ CATEGORIES
3.1 While in respect of these categories also promotion shall continue to be duly earned, it is proposed to adopt the ACP Scheme in a modified form to mitigate hardship in cases of acute stagnation either in a cadre or in an isolated post. Keeping in view all relevant factors, it has, therefore, been decided to grant two
financial upgradations [as recommended by the Fifth Central Pay Commission and also in accordance with the Agreed Settlement dated September 11, 1997 (in relation
to Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ employees) entered into with the Staff Side of the National Council (JCM)] under the ACP Scheme to Group ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ employees on completion of 12 years and 24 years (subject to condition no.4 in Annexure-I) of regular service respectively. Isolated posts in Group ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ categories which have no promotional avenues shall also qualify for similar benefits on the pattern indicated above. Certain categories of employees such as casual employees (including those with temporary status), ad-hoc and contract employees shall notqualify for benefits under the aforesaid Scheme. Grant of financial upgradations under the ACP Scheme shall, however, be subject to the conditions mentioned in Annexure-I.
3.2 ‘Regular Service’ for the purpose of the ACP Scheme shall be interpreted to mean the eligibility service counted for regular promotion in terms of relevant Recruitment/Service Rules.
4. Introduction of the ACP Scheme should, however, in no case affect the normal (regular) promotional avenues available on the basis of vacancies. Attempts needed to improve promotion prospects in organisations/cadres on functional grounds by way of organisational study, cadre reviews, etc as per prescribed norms should not be given up on the ground that the ACP Scheme has been introduced.
5. Vacancy based regular promotions, as distinct from financial upgradation under the ACP Scheme, shall continue to be granted after due screening by a regular Departmental Promotion Committee as per relevant rules/guidelines.
Explanation: