DoP Clarification – Pay Fixation for Ex‑Servicemen Re‑employed as Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants (Jan 2026)

F. No. 02-61/2024 - PAP

Ministry of Communications 

Department of Posts 

Establishment Division [P.A.P. Section]

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001

Dated: 20.01.2026

Subject: Applicability of Para 16(2) of CCS (Fixation of Pay of Re-employed Pensioners) Orders, 1986 to ex-servicemen re-employed as Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants - reg.

Sir / Madam,

The attention of all Circles is invited to this office letter of even number dated 22.04.2025 (copy enclosed), whereby Circles were advised to maintain status quo in respect of extending the benefit of Para 16(2) of the CCS (Fixation of Pay of Re-employed Pensioners) Orders, 1986 to ex-servicemen re-employed as Postal Assistants / Sorting Assistants, pending clarification from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).

The matter was again taken up with DoPT, the nodal Department. DoPT has reiterated that while the provisions of Para 16(2) of the aforesaid Orders are explicit, the posts of Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant are not mentioned therein. DoPT has further advised that the Department of Posts may take an administrative decision in the matter, keeping in view the extant instructions.

Accordingly, the issue has been examined in detail, with the following observations:

3.1 Relevant provisions of DoPT O.M. dated 31.07.1986

Paras 4 and 5 of the DoPT O.M. dated 31.07.1986 relate to fixation of pay of ex-servicemen re-employed in posts other than clerks / storemen. Para 16(2) of the said Orders specifically applies to re-employment of ex-servicemen in clerical / storekeeper posts. It is also evident that the posts of Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant are not mentioned in Para 16(2), as has already been clarified by DoPT.

3.2 Cadre distinction and historical position

A comparison of pay scales across successive Central Pay Commissions clearly establishes that Postal Assistants / Sorting Assistants have consistently been placed in higher pay scales than Lower Division Clerks / Junior Clerks (now designated as Junior Secretarial Assistants).

(Table of CPC pay scales included in document)

Further, qualifications for PA/SA have historically been higher (Intermediate, later Graduation with computer knowledge) compared to LDC/JSA (Matriculation, later 10+2).

3.3 Historical comparison with similarly placed cadres and change in nomenclature

DG Posts Letter No. 2-68/61-P&A(P) dated 10.09.1965 applied pay fixation benefits to clerks in P&T Department.

Directorate Letter No. 7-13/6-PE-I dated 05.09.1979 changed designations of Time Scale Clerks/Sorters to Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants without change in pay/duties.

DoPT O.M. No. 16/3/85-Estt.(Pay-I) dated 11.05.1987 extended pay fixation benefits to Telegraphists/Telephone Operators, but not to Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants despite identical pay scales.

Keeping in view recruitment differences, pay scales, qualifications, and duties, it has been decided that the benefit of pay fixation under Para 16(2) of the CCS (Fixation of Pay of Re-employed Pensioners) Orders, 1986 cannot be extended to ex-servicemen re-employed as Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants in the Department of Posts.

In cases where the benefit has already been extended, no recovery shall be made. However, pay shall be re-fixed in accordance with Paras 4 and 5 of DoPT O.M. dated 31.07.1986, after issuing a show-cause notice and disposing of representation by a reasoned order. Waiver of recovery may be considered case-to-case as per DoPT O.M. dated 02.03.2016 and 01.04.2024.

This issues with the approval of the Secretary (Posts).

Digitally signed by Gurvinder Singh Date: 20-01-2026 11:53:08

(Gurvinder Singh) Assistant Director General (GDS/PAP/PCC)

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