Regarding the unauthorized practice of appointing Non-Gazetted staff as DDOs in Head Post Offices in violation of GFR 2017 & DFPR

To:

Shri Sivaji Vasireddy Secretary General FNPO New Delhi- 110001

Subject: Regarding the unauthorized practice of appointing Non- Gazetted staff as DDOs in Head Post Offices in violation of GFR 2017 & DFPR.

Respected Sir,

With due respect, I wish to draw your kind attention to a serious administrative irregularity prevailing in the Department of Posts regarding the appointment of Head of Office (HOO) and Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) in Head Post Offices.

As you are aware, the Department of Posts is a Central Government entity governed by the same financial regulations as other departments. However, it is observed that the standards set by CAG and other Central Manuals are not being implemented correctly.

In this context, I would like to submit the following points for your consideration and for further escalation at the Directorate level:

Violation of Rule 13 of DFPR & GFR 2017: According to the rules, a Head of Office must authorize only a Gazetted Officer to function as DDO. While all other Central Government departments strictly follow this, the Department of Posts is an exception where Selection Grade Postal Assistants (Non-Gazetted Operative Staff) are being forced to perform these duties.

Convenience over Compliance: It appears that responsible officers, to absolve themselves of their primary duties, are delegating these sensitive financial tasks to subordinate staff for their own convenience. These staff members are not considered competent ( ) for such roles in any other Central Department under CAG guidelines.

Risk of Audit Paras and Recovery: The DDO is responsible for checking Cash Books, reconciling bank statements, and issuing checks from the Consolidated Fund of India. If an unauthorized (Non-Gazetted) official signs these documents, it creates a massive legal loophole. Any financial lapse could lead to 'Audit Paras' and make the recovery process legally unsustainable.

Lack of Statutory Protection: A Selection Grade PA does not possess the statutory powers required to handle GST and Income Tax returns of the department. This practice puts the staff under undue mental pressure and high professional risk without any legal safeguard.

Administrative Accountability: By appointing Gazetted Officers (ASPOs/AAOs) as DDOs, the department can ensure a higher level of accountability and professional financial management, as envisioned by the Ministry of Finance.

I earnestly request you to take up this matter with the Directorate and issue a revised order ensuring that all DDO charges are immediately handed over to Gazetted Officers (ASPOs/AAOs) and the Selection Grade Postal Assistants be relieved from these duties.

This reform is essential to bring the Department of Posts in line with the standards of the CAG and other Central Government Ministries.