Office Memorandum: Subject:-The Assured Career Progression Scheme For The Central Government

MOST IMMEDIATE
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 not qualify 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.
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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.
6. SCREENING COMMITTEE
6.1 A departmental Screening Committee shall be constituted for the purpose of processing the cases
for grant of benefits under the ACP Scheme.
6.2 The composition of the Screening Committee shall be the same as that of the DPC prescribed
under the relevant Recruitment/Service Rules for regular promotion to the higher grade to which
financial upgradation is to be granted. However, in cases where DPC as per the prescribed rules is
headed by the Chairman/Member of the UPSC, the Screening Committee under the ACP Scheme shall,
instead, be headed by the Secretary or an officer of equivalent rank of the concerned
Ministry/Department. In respect of isolated posts, the composition of the Screening Committee (with
modification as noted above, if required) shall be the same as that of the DPC for promotion to
analogous grade in that Ministry/Department.
6.3 In order to prevent operation of the ACP Scheme from resulting into undue strain on the
administrative machinery, the Screening Committee shall follow a time-schedule and meet twice in a
financial year – preferably in the first week of January and July for advance processing of the cases.
Accordingly, cases maturing during the first-half (April-September) of a particular financial year for grant
of benefits under the ACP Scheme shall be taken up for consideration by the Screening Committee
meeting in the first week of January of the previous financial year. Similarly, the Screening Committee
meeting in the first week of July of any financial year shall process the cases that would be maturing
during the second-half (October-March) of the same financial year. For example, the Screening
Committee meeting in the first week of January, 1999 would process the cases that would attain maturity
during the period April 1, 1999 to September 30, 1999 and the Screening Committee meeting in the first
week of July, 1999 would process the cases that would mature during the period October 1, 1999 to
March 31, 2000.
6.4 To make the Scheme operational, the Cadre Controlling Authorities shall constitute the first
Screening Committee of the current financial year within a month from the date of issue of these
instructions to consider the cases that have already matured or would be maturing upto March 31, 2000
for grant of benefits under the ACP Scheme. The next Screening Committee shall be constituted as per
the time-schedule suggested above.
7. Ministries/Departments are advised to explore the possibility of effecting savings so as to minimise the
additional financial commitment that introduction of the ACP Scheme may entail.
8. The ACP Scheme shall become operational from the date of issue of this Office Memorandum.
9. In so far as persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Departments are concerned, these
orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
10. The Fifth Central Pay Commission in paragraph 52.15 of its Report has also separately
recommended a "Dynamic Assured Career Progression Mechanism" for different streams of doctors. It
has been decided that the said recommendation may be considered separately by the administrative
Ministry concerned in consultation with the Department of Personnel and Training and the Department of
Expenditure.
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11. Any interpretation/clarification of doubt as to the scope and meaning of the provisions of the ACP
Scheme shall be given by the Department of Personnel and Training (Establishment-D).
12. All Ministries/Departments may give wide circulation to these instructions for guidance of all
concerned and also take immediate steps to implement the Scheme keeping in view the ground situation
obtaining in services/cadres/ posts within their administrative jurisdiction;
13. Hindi version would follow.
(K.K. JHA)
Director(Establishment)
To
1. All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India

2. President’s Secretariat/Vice President’s Secretariat/Prime Minister’s Office/Supreme Court/Rajya
Sabha Secretariat/Lok Sabha Secretariat/Cabinet Secretariat/UPSC/CVC/C&AG/Central Administrative
Tribunal(Principal Bench), New Delhi
3. All attached/subordinate offices of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
4. Secretary, National Commission for Minorities
5. Secretary, National Commission for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes
6. Secretary, Staff Side, National Council (JCM), 13-C, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi
7. All Staff Side Members of the National Council (JCM)
8. Establishment (D) Section - 1000 copies
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ANNEXURE-I
CONDITIONS FOR GRANT OF BENEFITS UNDER THE ACP SCHEME
1. The ACP Scheme envisages merely placement in the higher pay-scale/grant of financial benefits
(through financial upgradation) only to the Government servant concerned on personal basis and shall,
therefore, neither amount to functional/regular promotion nor would require creation of new posts for the
purpose;
2. The highest pay-scale upto which the financial upgradation under the Scheme shall be available will
be Rs.14,300-18,300. Beyond this level, there shall be no financial upgradation and higher posts shall
be filled strictly on vacancy based promotions;
3. The financial benefits under the ACP Scheme shall be granted from the date of completion of the
eligibility period prescribed under the ACP Scheme or from the date of issue of these instructions
whichever is later;
4. The first financial upgradation under the ACP Scheme shall be allowed after 12 years of regular
service and the second upgradation after 12 years of regular service from the date of the first financial
upgradation subject to fulfillment of prescribed conditions. In other words, if the first upgradation gets
postponed on account of the employee not found fit or due to departmental proceedings, etc this would
have consequential effect on the second upgradation which would also get deferred accordingly;
5.1 Two financial upgradations under the ACP Scheme in the entire Government service career of an
employee shall be counted against regular promotions (including in-situ promotion and fast-track
promotion availed through limited departmental competitive examination) availed from the grade in
which an employee was appointed as a direct recruit. This shall mean that two financial upgradations
under the ACP Scheme shall be available only if no regular promotions during the prescribed periods
(12 and 24 years) have been availed by an employee. If an employee has already got one regular
promotion, he shall qualify for the second financial upgradation only on completion of 24 years of regular
service under the ACP Scheme. In case two prior promotions on regular basis have already been
received by an employee, no benefit under the ACP Scheme shall accrue to him;
5.2 Residency periods (regular service) for grant of benefits under the ACP Scheme shall be counted
from the grade in which an employee was appointed as a direct recruit;
6. Fulfillment of normal promotion norms (bench-mark, departmental examination, seniority-cum-fitness

in the case of Group ‘D’ employees, etc.) for grant of financial upgradations, performance of such duties
as are entrusted to the employees together with retention of old designations, financial upgradations
as personal to the incumbent for the stated purposes and restriction of the ACP Scheme for financial
and certain other benefits (House Building Advance, allotment of Government accommodation,
advances, etc) only without conferring any privileges related to higher status (e.g. invitation to
ceremonial functions, deputation to higher posts, etc) shall be ensured for grant of benefits under the
ACP Scheme;
7. Financial upgradation under the Scheme shall be given to the next higher grade in accordance with
the existing hierarchy in a cadre/category of posts without creating new posts for the purpose. However,
in case of isolated posts, in the absence of defined hierarchical grades, financial upgradation shall be
given by the Ministries/Departments concerned in the immediately next higher (standard/common) pay-
scales as indicated in Annexure-II which is in keeping with Part-A of the First Schedule annexed to the
Notification dated September 30, 1997 of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure). For
instance, incumbents of isolated posts in the pay-scale S-4, as indicated in Annexure-II, will be eligible
for the proposed two financial upgradations only to the pay-scales S-5 and S-6. Financial upgradation on
a dynamic basis (i.e. without having to create posts in the relevant scales of pay) has been
recommended by the Fifth Central Pay Commission only for the incumbents of isolated posts which
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have no avenues of promotion at all. Since financial upgradations under the Scheme shall be personal
to the incumbent of the isolated post, the same shall be filled at its original level (pay-scale) when
vacated. Posts which are part of a well-defined cadre shall not qualify for the ACP Scheme on ‘dynamic’
basis. The ACP benefits in their case shall be granted conforming to the existing hierarchical structure
only;
8. The financial upgradation under the ACP Scheme shall be purely personal to the employee and shall
have no relevance to his seniority position. As such, there shall be no additional financial upgradation for
the senior employee on the ground that the junior employee in the grade has got higher pay-scale under
the ACP Scheme;
9. On upgradation under the ACP Scheme, pay of an employee shall be fixed under the provisions of FR
22(I) a(1) subject to a minimum financial benefit of Rs.100/- as per the Department of Personnel and
Training Office Memorandum No.1/6/97-Pay.I dated July 5, 1999. The financial benefit allowed under
the ACP Scheme shall be final and no pay-fixation benefit shall accrue at the time of regular promotion
i.e. posting against a functional post in the higher grade;
10. Grant of higher pay-scale under the ACP Scheme shall be conditional to the fact that an employee,
while accepting the said benefit, shall be deemed to have given his unqualified acceptance for regular
promotion on occurrence of vacancy subsequently. In case he refuses to accept the higher post on
regular promotion subsequently, he shall be subject to normal debarment for regular promotion as
prescribed in the general instructions in this regard. However, as and when he accepts regular
promotion thereafter, he shall become eligible for the second upgradation under the ACP Scheme only
after he completes the required eligibility service/period under the ACP Scheme in that higher grade
subject to the condition that the period for which he was debarred for regular promotion shall not count
for the purpose. For example, if a person has got one financial upgradation after rendering 12 years of
regular service and after 2 years therefrom if he refuses regular promotion and is consequently debarred
for one year and subsequently he is promoted to the higher grade on regular basis after completion of
15 years (12+2+1) of regular service, he shall be eligible for consideration for the second upgradation
under the ACP Scheme only after rendering ten more years in addition to two years of service already
rendered by him after the first financial upgradation (2+10) in that higher grade i.e. after 25 years
(12+2+1+10) of regular service because the debarment period of one year cannot be taken into account
towards the required 12 years of regular service in that higher grade;
11. In the matter of disciplinary/penalty proceedings, grant of benefits under the ACP Scheme shall be
subject to rules governing normal promotion. Such cases shall, therefore, be regulated under the
provisions of relevant CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965 and instructions thereunder;
12. The proposed ACP Scheme contemplates merely placement on personal basis in the higher pay-
scale/grant of financial benefits only and shall not amount to actual/functional promotion of the
employees concerned. Since orders regarding reservation in promotion are applicable only in the case
of regular promotion, reservation orders/roster shall not apply to the ACP Scheme which shall extend its
benefits uniformly to all eligible SC/ST employees also. However, at the time of regular/functional
(actual) promotion, the Cadre Controlling Authorities shall ensure that all reservation orders are applied
strictly;
13. Existing time-bound promotion schemes, including in-situ promotion scheme, in various
Ministries/Departments may, as per choice, continue to be operational for the concerned categories of
employees. However, these schemes, shall not run concurrently with the ACP Scheme. The
Administrative Ministry/Department -- not the employees -- shall have the option in the matter to choose
between the two schemes, i.e. existing time-bound promotion scheme or the ACP Scheme, for various
categories of employees. However, in case of switch-over from the existing time-bound promotion
scheme to the ACP Scheme, all stipulations (viz. for promotion, redistribution of posts, upgradation
involving higher functional duties, etc) made under the former (existing) scheme would cease to be
operative. The ACP Scheme shall have to be adopted in its totality;
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14. In case of an employee declared surplus in his/her organisation and in case of transfers including
unilateral transfer on request, the regular service rendered by him/her in the previous organisation shall
be counted along with his/her regular service in his/her new organisation for the purpose of giving
financial upgradation under the Scheme; and
15. Subject to Condition No. 4 above, in cases where the employees have already completed 24 years
of regular service, with or without a promotion, the second financial upgradation under the scheme shall
be granted directly. Further, in order to rationalise unequal level of stagnation, benefit of surplus regular
service (not taken into account for the first upgradation under the scheme) shall be given at the
subsequent stage (second) of financial upgradation under the ACP Scheme as a one time measure. In
other words, in respect of employees who have already rendered more than 12 years but less than 24
years of regular service, while the first financial upgradation shall be granted immediately, the surplus
regular service beyond the first 12 years shall also be counted towards the next 12 years of regular
service required for grant of the second financial upgradation and, consequently, they shall be
considered for the second financial upgradation also as and when they complete 24 years of regular
service without waiting for completion of 12 more years of regular service after the first financial
upgradation already granted under the Scheme.
(K.K. JHA)
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ANNEXURE-II
STANDARD/COMMON PAY-SCALES
As per Part-A of the First Schedule Annexed to the Ministry of Finance
(Department of Expenditure) Gazette Notification dated September 30, 1997
[REFERENCE PARA 7 OF ANNEXURE I OF THIS OFFICE MEMORANDUM]
S.No. Revised pay-scales (Rs)
1. S-1 2550-55-2660-60-3200
2. S-2 2610-60-3150-65-3540
3. S-3 2650-65-3300-70-4000
4. S-4 2750-70-3800-75-4400
5. S-5 3050-75-3950-80-4590
6. S-6 3200-85-4900
7. S-7 4000-100-6000
8. S-8 4500-125-7000
9. S-9 5000-150-8000
10. S-10 5500-175-9000
11. S-12 6500-200-10500
12. S-13 7450-225-11500
13. S-14 7500-250-12000
14. S-15 8000-275-13500
15. S-19 10000-325-15200
16. S-21 12000-375-16500
17. S-23 12000-375-18000
18. S-24 14300-400-18300
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F.No.35034/1/97-Estt(D)(Vol.IV)
Government of India
New Delhi 110001

February 10, 2000
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:-ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES - CLARIFICATIONS REGARDING
The undersigned is directed to invite reference to the Department of Personnel and Training Office
Memorandum of even number dated August 9, 1999 regarding the Assured Career Progression Scheme
(ACPS). Consequent upon introduction of the Scheme, clarifications have been sought by various
Ministries/Departments about certain issues in connection with implementation of the ACPS. The doubts
raised by various quarters have been duly examined and point-wise clarifications have accordingly been
indicated in the Annexure.
2. The ACP scheme should strictly be implemented in keeping with the Department of Personnel and
Training Office Memorandum of even number dated August 9, 1999 read with the aforesaid clarifications
(Annexure). Cases where the ACP Scheme has already been implemented shall be
reviewed/rectified if the same are not found to be in accordance with the scheme/clarifications.
3. All Ministries/Departments may give wide circulation to these clarificatory instructions for general
guidance and appropriate action in the matter.
(K.K. JHA)
To
2. President’s Secretariat / Vice President’s Secretariat / Prime Minister’s Office / Supreme Court / Rajya
Sabha Secretariat / Lok Sabha Secretariat / Cabinet Secretariat / UPSC / CVC / C&AG / Central
Administrative Tribunal (Principal Bench), New Delhi
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ANNEXURE
[Reference:-Office Memorandum No.35034/1/97-Estt(D)(Vol.IV) dated 10.2.2000]
S.No. Point of doubt Clarification
1. Two posts carrying different pay scales Since the benefits of upgradation under ACP
constituting two rungs in a hierarchy Scheme (ACPS) are to be allowed in the existing
have now been placed in the same pay- hierarchy, the mobility under ACPS shall be in the
scale as a result of rationalisaton of hierarchy existing after merger of pay-scales by
pay-scales. This has resulted into ignoring the promotion. An employee who got
change in the hierarchy in as much as promoted from lower pay-scale to higher pay-scale
two posts which constituted feeder and as a result of promotion before merger of pay-scales
promotion grades in the pre-merged shall be entitled for upgradation under ACPS
scenario have become one grade. The ignoring the said promotion as otherwise he would
position may be clarified further by way be placed in a disadvantageous position vis-à-vis
of the following illustration: prior to the the fresh entrant in the merged grade.
implementation of the Fifth Central Pay
Commission recommendation, two
categories of posts were in the pay-
scales of Rs.1200-1800 and Rs.1320-
2040 respectively; the latter being
promotion post for the former. Both the
posts have now been placed in the pay-
scale of Rs.4000-6000. How the
benefits of the ACP Scheme is to be
allowed in such cases?
2. Some employees have been allowed Mobility under ACPS is to be allowed in the ‘existing
selection grade/in-situ promotions hierarchy’. As such, if any selection grade/in-situ
though these grades are not a part of promotion has been allowed to employees which is
the defined hierarchy. Whether this is to not a part of the hierarchy, it shall not be counted as
be considered as promotion for the promotion for the purpose of ACPS. For illustration
purpose of ACPS? Also, what will be sake, junior engineers of CPWD appointed in the
the situation if selection grade has been grade Rs.5000-8000/- are allowed the scale of
allowed in lieu of higher pay-scale? Rs.5500-9000/- on completion of five years of
regular service and the scale of Rs.6,500-10,500/-
on completion of fifteen years of regular service.
The scale of Rs.5500-9000/- is not a part of the
defined hierarchy for them. In such cases, the pay-
scale which is not a part of the hierarchy may be
treated to have been withdrawn. However, fall in
pay resulting out of this shall be protected by
granting personal pay in the aforesaid direct entry
grade to be adjusted against future increments.
Moreover, as per Condition No.13 of ACPS, such
existing (previous) schemes would be discontinued
with the adoption of ACPS. However, in the case of
common category of posts, the existing hierarchy in
relation to a cadre would mean the restructured
grades recommended by the Fifth Central Pay
Commission.
3. An isolated post of Jeep Driver in the In such isolated cases option should be either to
9
pay–scale of Rs.3050-4590 has been follow the promotion scheme as formulated vide
allowed in-situ promotion in the grade DoP&T O.M No.22036/ 1/92-Estt(D) dated
of Rs.4000-6000 whereas as per 30.11.1993 read with O.M No.35034/3/97-Estt(D)
Annexure-II of the O.M. dated 9.8.1999 dated 1.6.1998 or to grant benefits to the
next scale is Rs.3200-4900. What incumbents of such isolated post on a dynamic
should be the grade allowed under basis as per Condition No.7 of ACPS.
ACPS? Similarly, Despatch Rider in the
pre-revised pay-scale of Rs.950-1400
and staff car driver in the pre-revised
scale of Rs.950-1500 have been
allowed revised pay-scale of Rs.3050-
4590. What should be the benefit under
ACPS?
4. In a case where a person is appointed

to a post on transfer (absorption) basis The benefits under ACPS are limited to higher pay
from another post, whether 12 years scale and do not confer designation, duties and
and 24 years of service for the purpose responsibilities of the higher post. Hence, the basic
of ACPS will count from the initial criterion to allow the higher pay scale under ACPS
appointment or otherwise. should be whether a person is working in the same
pay scale for the prescribed period of 12/24 years.
5. Whether a Government servant, who is Consequently, so long as a person is in the same
direct recruit in one grade and pay scale during the period in question, it is
subsequently joins another post again immaterial whether he has been holding different
as direct recruit, is eligible for first posts in the same pay scale. As such, if a
financial upgradation under ACPS after Government servant has been appointed to another
completion of 12 years of service post in the same pay scale either as a direct recruit
counted from the first appointment or or on absorption (transfer) basis or first on
from the subsequent second deputation basis and later on absorbed (on transfer
appointment as direct recruit? basis), it should not make any difference for the
purpose of ACPS so long as he is in the same pay
6. An employee appointed initially on scale. In other words, past promotion as well as
deputation to a post gets absorbed past regular service in the same pay scale, even if it
subsequently, whether absorption may was on different posts for which appointment was
be termed as promotion or direct made by different methods like direct recruitment,
recruitment. What will be the case if an absorption (transfer)/ deputation, or at different
employee on deputation holds a post in places should be taken into account for computing
the same pay-scale as that of the post the prescribed period of service for the purpose of
held by him in the present cadre? Also, ACPS. Also, in case of absorption
what will be the situation if he was (transfer)/deputation in the aforesaid situations,
holding a post in the parent cadre promotions earned in the previous/present
carrying a lower pay-scale? organisations, together with the past regular service
shall also count for the purpose of ACPS. However,
if the appointment is made to higher pay-scale
either as on direct recruitment or on absorption
(transfer) basis or first on deputation basis and later
on absorbed (on transfer basis), such appointment
shall be treated as direct recruitment and past
service/promotion shall not count for benefits under
ACPS.
Needless to say, in cases of transfer on

administrative ground, involving only change of
station within the same department, the service
rendered in the same grade at two stations may
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count for ACPS, as such transfers are within the
same organisation, ordered generally for
administrative/personal considerations and the
service rendered in the earlier station counts as
eligibility service for promotion.
7. Whether the instructions on ACPS are ACPS is applicable only to Central Government
applicable to the employees working in civilian employees and, as such, does not get
the instrumentalities like autonomous/ automatically extended to autonomous/statutory
judicial / statutory bodies? Similarly, bodies. A conscious decision in this regard shall
whether the orders are applicable to the have to be taken by the governing body/competent
employees working in industries authority/ organisation concerned. In relation to
governed by certified standing orders, others, specific cases shall be examined in
Factories Act and Industrial Disputes consultation with the Department of Personnel and
Act, etc? Training.
8. Appointment on the basis of limited If the relevant Recruitment Rules provide for filling
departmental examination by which an up of vacancies of Stenographers Grade ‘D’/Junior
employee joined a new service should Stenographers by direct recruitment, induction of
be treated as promotion or not. For LDCs to the aforesaid grade through Limited
example, in case of Group-D Departmental Competitive Examination may be
employees appointed as LDCs or treated as direct recruitment for the purpose of
Grade-D stenographers appointed from benefit under ACPS. However, in such cases,
amongst LDCs should be treated as service rendered in a lower pay-scale shall not be
direct recruits or not in the respective counted for the purpose of benefit under ACPS. The
higher grades. case of Grade ‘D’ employees who become LDCs on
the basis of departmental examination stand on
different footing. In their case, relevant Recruitment
Rules prescribe a promotion quota to be filled up on
the basis of departmental examination. Therefore,
such appointments shall be counted as promotion
for the purpose of ACPS. In such situations, past
regular service shall also be counted for further
benefits, if any, under the Scheme.
9. A merged pre-revised pay-scale of The issue of demerger of the integrated pay-scale of

Rs.775-1150 was allowed to Group-D Rs.775-1150/- is already under consideration of the
employees as a result of an agreement National Anomaly Committee. It has not been
with the Staff Side in the National agreed either to treat the promotion to S-2 and S-3
Council of JCM. Those Group-D as one or for merging the pay-scales. As the merger
employees drawing Rs.1030/- (pre- of the pay-scales earlier was as a result of an
revised) or above as basic pay have agreement only with a view to provide certain relief
been allowed S-3 (revised) (Rs.2650- to the stagnating employees, it cannot, in itself, be
4000/-) and those drawing less have the ground for allowing additional benefits. As such,
been allowed S-2 (revised) (Rs.2610- an employee inducted in S-1 and now placed in S-2
3540/-). The replacement scales of shall be allowed one more upgradation i.e. in S-3
Rs.2610-3540/- and Rs.2650-4000 under ACPS. An employee inducted in S-1 and now
should be treated as one. Since S-4 placed in S-3 shall not be allowed any further
(revised) (Rs.2750-4400/-) does not upgradation as he has already availed of two
operate in the Central Secretariat, financial upgradations.
Group ‘D’ employees should be given
second upgradation in S-5 i.e. Rs.3050-
4590/-.
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10. For isolated posts, the scale of pay for For isolated posts, the scales of pay for ACPS shall
ACPS as recommended by the Pay be the same as those applicable for similar posts in
Commission may be implemented and the same Ministry/ Department/Cadre except where
not the standard/ common pay-scales the Pay Commission has recommended specific
indicated vide Annexure-II of the Office pay-scales for mobility under ACPS. Such specific
Memorandum dated August 9, 1999. cases may be examined by respective Ministries/
Departments in consultation with the Department of
Personnel and Training. In the case of remaining
isolated posts, the pay-scales contained in
Annexure-II of the Office Memorandum dated
August 9, 1999 (ACPS) shall apply.
11. In the case of an employee appointed No. In terms of para 3.2 of the Office Memorandum
on ad-hoc basis and who is dated August 9, 1999 (ACPS), only regular service
subsequently regularised, the ad-hoc which counts for the purpose of regular promotion in
service is counted towards increment. terms of relevant Recruitment/Service Rules shall
Whether the ad-hoc service may be count for the purpose of upgradation under ACPS.
counted for the ACPS also?
12. When an employee in Group-C scale is While the Scheme provides for only financial
given financial upgradation in Group-B upgradations to an individual and not the
scale, whether it shall have the upgradation of the post held by him, the
approval of the authority competent to classification of the post held by the officer should
appoint persons in the upgraded scale. be with reference to the scale of pay of the post held
by Government servant on regular basis and not
with reference to the higher scale of pay granted to
the Government servant on upgradation under
ACPS. However, upgradation under ACPS may be
allowed with the approval of the authority competent
to make an appointment in the upgraded
scales/grades.
13. Whether ex-servicemen who have been Yes. The ACPS is meant for the Central
re-employed after giving relaxation in Government civilian employees. As such, ex-
age and educational qualifications servicemen, re-employed as civilian employee, shall
prescribed in relevant be entitled for upgradation under the Scheme on
Recruitment/Service Rules for particular completion of 12/24 years of service after direct
post as direct recruit are to be allowed recruitment in the civil employment. Also, such
ACP benefits on completion of 12/24 category of persons would already be drawing
years of service after re-employment in pension on the basis of their service in the armed
civilian post? forces.
14. An employee gets first promotion after Upgradations under the scheme are to be allowed
20 years of regular service. In terms of on completion of 12/24 years of service counted
relevant Recruitment/Service Rules, from direct entry in the Government employment. If
required eligibility service is 8 years for an employee gets first regular promotion on
the next promotion, whether completion of 20 years of service, he will be entitled
upgradation under ACPS is to be to second financial upgradation under ACPS on
allowed on completion of 24 years of completion of 4 years of service after such first
service from direct recruitment i.e four regular promotion, though the Recruitment/Service
years after the first promotion or on Rules prescribe higher length of regular service in
completion of 8 years of regular service the grade for next promotion.
after first promotion as per the
Recruitment Rules.
12
15. An employee who may have completed Since the Assured Career Progression Scheme can
29 years of service shall be entitled for have only prospective application, it is not
two upgradations directly along with permissible to allow notional benefit with
other employee who may have retrospective effect. This would not lead to anomaly
completed 24 years of service. This in as much as an employee having longer years of
would create an anomaly in as much as service may get his pay fixed at a higher/same
5 years of service of the former would stage vis-à-vis an employee having lesser length of
get neutralised. Therefore, the service.
upgradation could be allowed notionally
from the date of completion of 12/24
years of regular service and actual
financial benefit could be given from the
date of meeting of the Screening
Committee.
16. The relevant Recruitment/Service Rules As per the scheme (Condition No.6), all promotion
prescribe departmental norms have to be fulfilled for upgradation under the
examination/skill test for vacancy based Scheme. As such, no upgradation shall be allowed if
promotion. However, this need not be an employee fails to qualify departmental/skill test
insisted for upgradation under ACPS. prescribed for the purpose of regular promotion.
17. An employee who has completed 24 The following illustration shall clarify the doubt: An
years of service is to be allowed two incumbent in the pay-scale of Rs.4000-6000/- (S-7)
upgradations directly. What will be the has put in 24 years of regular service without a
mode of fixation of pay of the regular promotion. The incumbent shall be allowed
employee? two upgradations i.e. to S-8 and S-9. His pay shall
first be fixed in S-8 and then in S-9. Pay fixation
directly from S-7 to S-9 shall not be allowed.
18. If special pay has been allowed in lieu Special pay allowed shall not be counted as
of separate pay-scale, whether this promotion for the purpose of ACPS. Also, the
should be treated as promotion for the special pay drawn in the lower post, in lieu of a
purpose of ACPS and also whether the higher pay-scale shall be taken into account for
special pay is to be taken into account fixation of pay under ACPS subject to the fulfillment
while fixing the pay under ACPS? of the following conditions as laid down vide Ministry
of Finance Office Memorandum No.6(1)-E.III(B)65)
dated 25.2.1965, re-produced as Government’s
decision No.32 under Appendix-8 of FR/SR(Part-1)
(Thirteenth Edition):-
(i)The special pay in the lower post should have

been granted in lieu of separate higher scale (i.e.
special pay granted to Steno-typist, Clerk-in-charge,
etc.)
(ii)If the special pay has been drawn in the lower

post continuously for a minimum period of three
years on the date of promotion, the pay in the higher
post will be fixed under the normal rules, treating the
special pay as part of the basic pay. In other cases,
the pay in the time-scale of the higher post will be
fixed under the normal rules, with reference to the
basic pay drawn in the lower post (excluding the
special pay); where this results in drop in
13
emoluments the difference between the pay so fixed
and the pay plus special pay drawn in the lower post
will be allowed in the form of personal pay to be
absorbed in future increases of pay.
(iii)In both kinds of cases referred to in clause (ii)

above, it should be certified that, but for the
promotion, the Government servant would have
continued to draw the special pay in the lower post.
(19) Point of doubt
Based on the categorisation of Libraries, Ministry of Finance vide Office Memorandum No. 19(1)/IC/86 dated
24th July, 1990 have prescribed the following pay-scales for posts in libraries:-
Post Pay-scales Pay-scales
(pre-revised) (revised)
Library and Information Assistant 1400-2600 5000-8000
Sr. Library and Information Assistant 1640-2900 5500-9000
Assistant Library and Information Officer 2000-3500 6500-10500
Library and Information Officer 3000-4500 10000-15200
Director (Library and Information) 4500-5700 14300-18300
In number of cases, depending on the work etc, there are only first two categories of posts in a library. What
should be the channel for upward mobility under ACPS of the library staff in such cases?
Clarification
In order to secure uniformity in the upward mobility of the library staff under the ACPS, it has been decided to
adopt the aforesaid pay-scales prescribed by the Ministry of Finance subject to the terms and conditions
prescribed by them. Posts in the library, if held in different nomenclatures, may, as such, also be re-
designated as per the said orders of the Ministry of Finance. However, grant of higher pay-scale under ACPS
will, as per Condition No.6, not result in change in the designation etc of the beneficiary.
20. On upgradation under ACPS, pay of an Yes. The financial benefit allowed under ACPS shall be
employee shall be fixed under the final and no pay fixation benefit shall accrue at the time
provisions of FR 22(I)a(1). Whether an of regular promotion. In other words, upgradation under
option for fixation of pay in the higher grade ACPS shall be treated on par with regular promotion in
based on the date of increment may also be so far as pay-fixation is concerned. Therefore, the option
allowed? of pay-fixation in the next higher grade based on the date
of increment may be allowed.
14
21. In terms of DoP&T Office Memorandum No. The matter has been examined in consultation with
6(2)/23/77-Welfare dated 11th December, Director(Canteen) and it has been decided that the
1979, all posts in the canteen and tiffin benefits of ACPS shall be extended to the canteen
room being run departmentally by the employees by reckoning from the date of their initial
Government of India were treated posts in appointment as direct recruit on regular basis as the
connection with the affairs of the Union. crucial date for granting the 1st/2nd upgradations.
Subsequently, vide Office Memorandum Needless to say, upgradations shall be allowed only in
No.12/3/92-Director[C] dated 16.9.92, those cases where promotions have not been made
canteen employees were declared as even after putting in 12/24 years of regular service
Central Government employees with effect counted in the manner indicated above.
from 1.10.1991. Whether canteen
employees will be treated as Government
employees with effect from 1.10.79 (the
date from which they were declared as
holders of civil posts) or with effect from
1.10.1991 for the purpose of granting of
upgradations under ACPS?
22. (a)Annexure-I of ACPS stipulates that if the In regard to deferment of grant of ACP benefits on
first upgradation gets postponed on account account of disciplinary proceedings or refusal of
of the employee not found fit or due to promotion, it is mentioned that the ACPS in the matter
departmental proceedings, etc, this would has to follow the same pattern as that obtains in the case
have consequential effect on the second of regular promotion. The basic idea behind making this
upgradation which would also get deferred provision is that there shall be uniformity of treatment
accordingly. In other words, the employee both in the case of ACPS and regular promotions.
who has been denied the first financial Moreover, the Government has already modified/
upgradation (meaning withholding of this moderated the Fifth Central Pay Commission
benefit) would again be penalised even recommendation that in case of refusal to accept regular
after having completed 24 years of regular promotion subsequently, the employee concerned should
service. This certainly is a case of double be reverted from the higher grade granted under ACPS.
jeopardy and should not be inflicted. The Scheme adopted by the Government, as such,
(b)Annexure-I of ACPS unnecessarily guards against this adverse effect and thereby has
provides for deferment of second financial already brought about an improvement upon the Pay
upgradation by the period for which an Commission recommendation in this regard.
employee is debarred from regular
promotion in the higher grade. In other
words, it connects the second upgradation
under ACPS with regular promotion to the
1st ACP grade. This is quite unwarranted
as the schemes of ACP and regular
promotions are to run concurrently and
parallel to each other and should, therefore,
not be connected in the manner it has been
done. This condition may, therefore, be
withdrawn.
23. The administrative Ministry/Department, not The ACPS has been introduced after consulting all
the employees have been given option in concerned including the Staff Side in the National
the matter to choose between two Council of JCM and with the approval of the Cabinet.
schemes, i.e. existing time-bound Hence, there is no need to associate the Staff Side while
promotion scheme or the ACP Scheme. It is exercising the said preference by the administrative
suggested that the said option should be Ministry/Department concerned. However, their view
exercised by the administrative Ministry/ point could be taken into account while exercising such
Department after consulting the staff preference. The Administration will, however, not be
representatives in the forum of respective bound by it.
Departmental Councils.
15
24. (a)Appointment in LDC grade from Group (a) As already clarified in relation to item at S.No.8, in the
‘D’ should not be treated as promotion existing arrangement, specified quota of LDC vacancies
because LDC is not in the direct line of are filled by Group-‘D’ staff on the basis of Limited
promotion for Group ‘D’ employees. Two Departmental Competitive Examination. As such, post of
services are altogether different. No Group LDC may be treated as promotion post under ACPS for
‘D’ employee can be appointed/promoted to Group ‘D’ staff.
a Group ‘C’ post like LDC etc who does not
possess the educational qualifications
prescribed in the Recruitment Rules. The
Group ‘D’ employees have to satisfy certain
minimum standards of selection and only
then they are eligible for appointment to
Group ‘C’ posts like LDC. Besides,
Government have already agreed in the
case of P&T Department not to treat
appointment/ promotion of Postman as
Postal Clerk etc as promotion for the
purpose of OTB. OTBP is given to such
employees (Postman etc) after completing
period of residency as Postal Clerk. The
same decision may be made applicable to
ACP as well. (b) The appointment of Group ‘D’ employees as
Despatch Rider/Staff Car Driver is on transfer basis in a
(b)A number of Group ‘D’ employees are higher pay-scale. This point has already been clarified in
appointed as Despatch Riders/Staff Car relation to items at S.Nos.4, 5 and 6 above.
Drivers, Gestener Operators etc. Since
these posts are not in the direct line of
promotion for Group ‘D’ employees and are
in the normal course meant to be filled by
direct recruitment, such appointments
should not be treated as promotion for
ACPS.
25. An employee may be given second The periodicity of 12/24 years of regular service for grant
upgradation under ACPS as soon as he of upgradations under ACPS cannot be relaxed. Grant of
completes 12 years of regular service from the first regular promotion prior to completion of 12 years
the date of his earlier promotion or as soon of regular service from the direct entry grade shall have
as he completes 24 years of regular no bearing on the periodicity of the second upgradation
service, whichever is earlier. under ACPS, which shall be granted only after
completion of 24 years of regular service and only if the
second regular promotion has not been earned in
between.
26. LDCs/UDCs in administrative offices of the Both the posts constitute two rungs in a hierarchy and,
Government of India are having over- as such, promotion of LDCs as UDCs shall be treated as
lapping duties as well as over-lapping promotion for the purpose of ACPS. Moreover, ACPS is
scales of pay. Both are inter-changeable. In not designed to interfere with the existing cadre
fact, division in the duties is more artificial structure.
than real. Therefore, promotion of LDC to
the post of UDC should not be treated as
promotion for the purpose of ACPS.
16
27. The condition 8 of the Annexure-I of the The ACPS is to act as a ‘safety net’ to provide relief in
DoP&T O.M. dated 9th August, 1999 cases of acute stagnation. The concept of "senior-junior"
operates very harshly against senior is quite alien to the idea behind the ACPS recommended
employees. It will give rise to serious by the Fifth Central Pay Commission which had also
anomalies in a situation where junior quite specifically recommended against it. Benefits
employee in a grade being direct recruit are granted under the Scheme are "personal" in nature and
given ACP upgradation on completing in recognition of long hardships faced by stagnating
period of residency, claims of senior employees. Moreover, it does not grant any status
employees in the same grade and in the related benefits – nor does it change the seniority
same department are ignored merely on the position. Senior will continue to be senior even if his
ground that they have already been junior has earned upgradations under ACPS. Relief
promoted twice earlier. It would, as such, granted to Government servants facing
be very unfair to ignore the claim of seniors stagnation/hardships, as visualised by ACPS, cannot
as that would lead to heart-burning and provide a ground for claiming identical relief by others
demoralisation. who are not similarly circumstanced.
28. All retirement and other terminal benefits Yes. The retirement/ terminal benefits would be on the
would be granted on the basis of actual pay basis of upgraded pay-scale, if any, granted under
drawn in the upgraded ACP scale and ACPS.
condition No.6 of Annexure-I to the effect
that it would not confer any privileges
related to higher status would not be
invoked to deny the retirement/terminal
benefits based on the actual pay drawn in
1st/2nd ACP grades at the time of
retirement.
29. Whether the upgradations under ACPS are It has been clarified vide Condition No.6 of ACPS that
to be allowed to the employees who are on such upgradation shall not entitle for deputation to higher
deputation in other organisations/on posts. Therefore, as a corollary, upgradation under
training/ on study leave? ACPS shall be allowed, in respect of employees who are
on deputation, only on notional basis, as otherwise such
upgradation in the cadre may have bearing on the
deputation pay of the official. However, an employee will
get the actual benefit on the basis of such notional pay-
fixation under ACPS with prospective effect only on
repatriation. Similarly, since an employee draws leave
salary while on leave, he will get similar treatment as
allowed to a person on deputation. However, upgradation
under ACPS may be allowed to an employee who is on
training as he is on duty for all practical purposes.
30. Whether the benefit of past service will be No, the benefit of past service shall not be extended to
extended to temporary status employees temporary status employees after their regularisation for
after their regularisation? the purpose of ACPS.
31. What is an isolated post for the purpose of Isolated post is a stand alone post, having neither
the ACP Scheme. feeder grade nor promotional grade. As such, a post
having no promotional grade but having a feeder grade
and vice-versa shall not be treated as isolated post for
the purpose of ACPS.
17
32. Where the cadres/hierarchy is limited to two Such a cadre/hierarchy shall not fall in the isolated
grades only, what should be the pay-scale category as defined at S.No.31 above. Hence, the
for grant of second upgradation under standard/common pay-scales mentioned in Annexure-II
ACPS? of the Office Memorandum dated 9.8.1999 shall not be
applicable in such cases. Action in such cases may,
therefore, be taken as per following clarifications:-
(i) If such cadre/hierarchy exists in the Ministry/

Department concerned, the second upgradation may be
allowed in keeping with the pay-scale of an analogous
grade of a cadre/post in the same Ministry/Department.
However, if no such grade exists in the
Ministry/Department concerned, comparison may be
made with an analogous grade available in other
Ministries/Departments.
(ii) In the case of attached/subordinate offices, the

second upgradation under ACPS may be given in
keeping with the pay-scale of an analogous grade of a
cadre/post of the concerned office. However, if no such
cadre/post exists in the concerned office, comparison
may be made with an analogous grade available in other
attached/subordinate offices of the Ministry/Department
concerned.
(K.K. JHA)
DIRECTOR(Establishment)
18
No.22034/4/99-Estt(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel , Public Grievances and Pensions
New Delhi-110001
April 24, 2000
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:-Implementation of the Assured Career Progression Scheme – Regarding.
The undersigned is directed to invite reference to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T)
Office Memorandum (O.M.) dated August 9, 1999 regarding the Assured Career Progression (ACP)
Scheme for the Central Government civilian employees. According to the time-schedule prescribed in
paragraph 6.3 of the aforesaid instructions, the Screening Committee to consider the cases for grant of
benefits under the ACP Scheme is required to meet twice in a financial year - preferably in the first week
of January and July for advance processing of the cases. As per paragraph 6.4 of the aforesaid O.M.,
the first Screening Committee was to be set up within a month from the date of issue of the O.M. under
reference to consider the cases that had already matured or were to mature up to 31.3.2000 for grant of
benefits under the ACP Scheme. The next Screening Committee (as per paragraph 6.3 of the said O.M.)
was required to meet in the first week of January, 2000 to process in advance the cases maturing for
benefits under the ACP Scheme during the period from April 1 to September 30, 2000. To ensure
expeditious implementation of the ACP Scheme, clarificatory instructions have also since been issued
vide DoP&T Office Memorandum of even number dated February 10, 2000.
2. Ministries/Departments are requested to ensure that the required action and formalities in relation to
the ACP Scheme are completed as per the prescribed time-schedule and the financial upgradations to
the eligible employees are allowed on time. The pending cases may be decided without any further loss
of time.
( K.K.JHA )
To

19
No.22034/4/99-Estt(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel , Public Grievances and Pensions
New Delhi-110001
April 24, 2000
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:-Implementation of the Assured Career Progression Scheme – Regarding.
The undersigned is directed to invite reference to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T)
Office Memorandum (O.M.) dated August 9, 1999 regarding the Assured Career Progression (ACP)
Scheme for the Central Government civilian employees. According to the time-schedule prescribed in
paragraph 6.3 of the aforesaid instructions, the Screening Committee to consider the cases for grant of
benefits under the ACP Scheme is required to meet twice in a financial year - preferably in the first week
of January and July for advance processing of the cases. As per paragraph 6.4 of the aforesaid O.M.,
the first Screening Committee was to be set up within a month from the date of issue of the O.M. under
reference to consider the cases that had already matured or were to mature up to 31.3.2000 for grant of
benefits under the ACP Scheme. The next Screening Committee (as per paragraph 6.3 of the said O.M.)
was required to meet in the first week of January, 2000 to process in advance the cases maturing for
benefits under the ACP Scheme during the period from April 1 to September 30, 2000. To ensure
expeditious implementation of the ACP Scheme, clarificatory instructions have also since been issued
vide DoP&T Office Memorandum of even number dated February 10, 2000.
2. Ministries/Departments are requested to ensure that the required action and formalities in relation to
the ACP Scheme are completed as per the prescribed time-schedule and the financial upgradations to
the eligible employees are allowed on time. The pending cases may be decided without any further loss
of time.
( K.K.JHA )
To

20
No.35034/2/2001-Estt(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
New Delhi-110001
June 1, 2001
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:-Grant of financial upgradations under the Assured Career Progression Scheme to

Group ‘D’ civilian employees of the Central Government – clarification regarding.
The undersigned is directed to say that the clarification issued by the Department of Personnel and
Training (DoP&T) in reply to the Point of Doubt No.9 vide Office Memorandum (O.M.) No.35034/1/97-
Estt(D)(Vol.IV) dated February 10, 2000 regarding financial upgradations admissible under the Assured
Career Progression (ACP) Scheme to the Group ‘D’ civilian employees of the Central Government has
been reviewed in the light of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) O.M.No.6//1/98-IC-I
dated February 12, 2001 (copy enclosed), whereby an elongated pay-scale of Rs.2610-60-2910-65-
3300-70-4000 (S-2A) has been introduced with effect from 1.1.1996 in replacement of the pre-revised
elongated pay-scale of Rs.775-12-871-14-955-15-1030-20-1150, which was applicable to all Group ‘D’
employees, other than those in the industrial and workshop categories and in the Railways. It has
accordingly been decided that financial upgradations under the ACP Scheme introduced vide DoP&T
O.M.No.35034/1/97-Estt(D) dated August 9, 1999, shall be allowed to Group ‘D’ civilian employees of
the Central Government in the revised hierarchical grades/pay-scales after taking into account the
revised elongated scale S-2A, wherever applicable, provided that all the conditions specified in the ACP
Scheme, including fulfillment of all promotional norms are met. This is, however, subject to the
following:-
(i) First financial upgradation on completion of 12 years of regular service shall be at least to the pay-
scale of Rs.2610-60-2910-65-3300-70-4000 (S.2A).
(ii) The second financial upgradation on completion of 24 years of regular service shall be allowed at
least to the pay scale of Rs.2750-70-3800-75-4400 (S-4). However, where Group ‘D’ civilian employees
of the Central Government are Matriculates and are eligible for promotion to the post of Lower Division
Clerk (LDC), the second financial upgradation in their case shall be allowed at least to the pay-scale of
Rs.3050-75-3950-80-4590 (S-5).
2. The above decisions shall be effective from August 9, 1999 which is the date of introduction of the
ACP Scheme.
3. The financial upgradations under the ACP Scheme already granted to Group ‘D’ employees should,
as such, be reviewed and revised in the light of the above decisions.
4. In certain Ministries/Departments/Organizations, Group ‘D’ employees initially recruited at S-2/S-3

level have been allowed financial upgradation under the ACP Scheme in the LDC grade (S-5) even
without possession of prescribed educational qualification viz matriculation. Such upgradation has been
allowed erroneously, as in
terms of the Condition No.6 of the ACP Scheme notified on August 9, 1999, fulfillment of all promotional
norms (including educational qualification, if any, specified in the relevant Recruitment Rules/Service
Rules), prescribed for grant of regular promotion, is an essential requirement for grant of financial
upgradations in the hierarchical grades. Such cases should, therefore, be reviewed and excess
payments already made be recovered forthwith.
21
5. All Ministries/Departments may give wide circulation to these decisions for general guidance and
appropriate action in the matter.
( K.K.JHA )
DIRECTOR(Establishment)
All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India
Copy to:-
Administrative Tribunal (Principal Bench), New Delhi.
2. All Subordinate/Attached Offices of the Ministry of Personnel , Public Grievance and Pensions.
3. Secretary, Staff Side, National Council (JCM), 13C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi.
4. All Staff Side Members of the National Council (JCM), 13-C, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi.
5. Department of Expenditure (Implementation Cell) (40 copies).
6. Facilitation Center, DoP&T (20 copies).
7. NIC (DOP&T Branch) for placing this Office Memorandum on the website of DoP&T
8. Establishment (D) Section, DoP&T (500 copies).
22
F.No.35034/1/97-Estt(D)(Vol.IV)
Government of India
New Delhi 110001

July 18, 2001
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: - ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES - CLARIFICATIONS REGARDING
The undersigned is directed to invite reference to the Department of Personnel and Training Office
Memorandum of even number dated August 9, 1999 regarding the Assured Career Progression Scheme
(ACPS) and subsequent Office Memorandum dated February 10, 2000 clarifying the various points of
doubt received from various quarters.
2. Some more situations in which a doubt persists in various organizations in regard to

applicability/implementation of ACP Scheme have been brought to the notice of this Department. These
have been duly examined and appropriate advice has been conveyed in individual cases. However, as it
is observed that similar doubts are being received from various other
Ministries/Departments/Organizations, it has been considered appropriate to issue a second set of
clarificatory orders containing point-wise clarification to the additional points of doubt.
3. Cases where the ACP Scheme has already been implemented shall be reviewed/rectified if the same
are not found to be in accordance with the scheme/clarifications.
3. All Ministries/Departments may give wide circulation to these clarificatory instructions for general
guidance and appropriate action in the matter.
(R.K. GOEL)
DEPUTY SECRETARY TO THE GOVT OF INDIA
To
All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India
Copy to:-
Administrative Tribunal (Principal Bench), New Delhi.
2. All attached/subordinate offices of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
3. Secretary, National Commission for Minorities, New Delhi.
4. Secretary, National Commission for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes.
5. Secretary, Staff Side, National Council (JCM), 13-C, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi.
6. All Staff Side Members of the National Council (JCM).
7. Facilitation Center, DoP&T – 20 copies
9. NIC (DoP&T) for placing this Office Memorandum on the Website of DoP&T. (persmin.nic.in)
23
ANNEXURE
[Reference: Office Memorandum No. 35034/1/97-Estt(D)(Vol.IV) dated 18.7.2001]
33. An employee was promoted from The reply is in the affirmative. The employee has
Grade ‘A’ to Grade ‘C’. Grade ‘B’ was got only one promotion in his career as per the
introduced in the hierarchy in hierarchy existing at the time of his promotion. The
between Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘C’ subsequent creation of the post in Grade ‘B’ will
subsequent to such promotion. Will not, therefore, make any material difference in the
he be entitled to any more financial situation in relation to the case of this employee for
upgradation under the ACP Scheme the purpose of grant of second financial
(ACPS) considering that he is already upgradation under ACPS The newly created Grade
placed in the third level of the ‘B’ would, as such, need to be ignored in his case.
hierarchy? However, persons in Grade ‘A’, who become
entitled to financial upgradation only after
introduction of Grade ‘B’ in the hierarchy, will be
entitled for grant of financial upgradation only in
Grade ‘B’ subject to fulfillment of the other
stipulations and conditions specified in the ACP
Scheme introduced on 9.8.1999
34. An employee has superannuated In terms of condition no. 3 of the ACP Scheme
after 9.8.1999, i.e. the date from introduced vide O.M. dated 9.8.1999, the financial
which ACPS was introduced. He had benefit under the ACPS shall be granted from the
completed the required eligibility date of completion of the eligibility period prescribed
service as on 9.8.1999 for grant of under the ACPS or from the date of issue of the
financial upgradation but he retired instructions whichever is later. Therefore, in respect
on superannuation before the of employees who had completed eligibility service
Screening Committee could meet to as on 9.8.1999 but retired prior to meeting of the
assess his suitability for grant of first Screening Committee meeting, if the
benefits under ACPS. Will he be assessment to decide grant of financial upgradation
entitled for financial upgradation is based on ACRs and other service records, the
under ACPS? employees who retired after 9.8.1999 may also be
considered by the Screening Committee and, if
recommended for grant of financial upgradation,
such employees may be allowed the benefit of
ACPS from the due date. If, however, the
assessment also includes passing of a trade
test/skill test/written examination (as prescribed for
regular promotion) under ACPS and the employee
had not qualified in such tests already, then it may
not be possible to consider the retired persons, as
assessment based on such tests is not possible
after the date of superannuation.
35. Whether placement/appointment in Where all the posts are placed in a higher scale of
higher scales of pay based on the pay, with or without a change in the designation;
recommendations of the Pay without requirement of any new qualification for
Commissions or Committees set up holding the post in the higher grade, not specified in
to rationalise the cadres is to be the Recruitment Rules for the existing post, and
reckoned as promotion/financial without involving any change in responsibilities and
upgradation and offset against the duties, then placement of all the incumbents against
24
two financial upgradations applicable such upgraded posts is not be treated as
under the ACP Scheme? promotion/upgradation. Where, however,
rationalisation/restructuring involves creation of a
number of new hierarchical grades in the
rationalised set up and some of the incumbents in
the pre-rationalised set up are placed in the
hierarchy of the restructured set up in a grade
higher than the normal corresponding level taking
into consideration their length of service in existing
pre-structured/pre-rationalised grade, then this will
be taken as promotion/upgradation.
If the rationalised/restructured grades require

possession of a specific nature of qualification and
experience, not specified for the existing posts in
pre-rationlised set up, and existing incumbents in
pre-rationalised scales/pre-structured grades, who
are in possession of the required qualification/
experience are placed directly in the rationalised
upgraded post, such placement will also not be
viewed as promotion/upgradation. However, if
existing incumbents in the pre-rationalised grades
who do not possess the said qualification/
experience are considered for placement in the
corresponding rationalised grade only after
completion of specified length of service in the
existing grade, then such a placement will be taken
as promotion/upgradation.
Where placement in a higher grade involves

assumption of higher responsibilities and duties,
then such upgradation will be viewed as
promotion/upgradation.
Where only a part of the posts are placed in a

higher scale and rest are retained in the existing
grade, thereby involving redistribution of posts, then
it involves creation of another grade in the hierarchy
requiring framing of separate recruitment rules for
the upgraded posts. Placement of existing
incumbents to the extent of upgradations involved,
in the upgraded post will also be treated as
promotion/upgradation and offset against
entitlements under the ACPS.
For any doubts in this regard, matter should be

referred to the Department of Personnel and
Training (Establishment ‘D’ Section) giving all
relevant details.
36. An employee was initially appointed In reply to points of doubt No. 4 to 6 in DoP&T O.M.
on deputation in a grade higher than dated 10.2.2000, it has been stated that where a
the grade of the post held on regular person is appointed on direct recruitment/transfer
basis and was subsequently basis from another post in the same grade, then
25
absorbed against the ex-cadre post. past regular service as well as past promotions, in
Will such initial period of deputation in the earlier post, will be counted for computing
the higher grade prior to date of regular service for the purpose of ACPS in the new
absorption be counted towards hierarchy. The reason being that so long as service
residency period/ ‘regular service’ for is in the same scale during the period in question, it
purposes of ACPS? is immaterial whether he has been holding different
posts in the same scale. However, if the
appointment is made to a post in a higher grade,
then such appointment , whether by direct
recruitment or by transfer or initially on deputation
followed by absorption, will be treated as direct
recruitment and past service/promotion (which was
in a different scale) will not be counted
In the case where a person is appointed to an ex-

cadre post in higher scale initially on deputation
followed by absorption, while the service rendered
in the earlier post, which was in a lower scale can
not be counted, there is no objection to the period
spent initially on deputation in the ex-cadre post
prior to absorption being counted towards regular
service for the purposes of grant of financial
upgradation under ACPS as it is in the same scale
of pay and same post.
37. Whether it is necessary to have As clarified vide condition no. 12 of ACP Scheme
SC/ST members in the Screening (vide DoP&T O.M. dated 9.8.1999), reservation
Committees set up for grant of orders/roster shall not apply to the ACP Scheme.
ACPS? Consequently, it is not necessary to have an officer
from SC/ST communities on the Screening
Committee constituted for deciding the suitability of
the employee for upgradations under ACPS.
38. A person has refused a vacancy- The ACP Scheme has been introduced to provide
based promotion offered to him prior relief in cases of acute stagnation where the
to his becoming eligible for financial employees, despite being eligible for promotion in
upgradation under ACPS, on all respects, are deprived of regular promotion for
personal grounds. Will he be eligible long periods due to non-availability of vacancies in
for financial upgradation under the higher grade. Cases of holders of isolated posts
ACPS? have also been covered under ACPS, as they do
not have any promotional avenues. However,
where a promotion has been offered before the
employee could be considered for grant of benefit
A person had refused a regular under ACPS but he refuses to accept such
promotion for personal reasons. He promotion, then he cannot be said to be stagnating
has since completed 24 years’ of as he has opted to remain in the existing grade on
service. Will he be entitled for 2nd his own volition. As such, there is no case for grant
financial upgradation? of ACPS in such cases. The official can be
considered for regular promotion again after the
necessary debarment period.
In the second case also, since in terms of condition

No. 10 of the ACPS, on grant of ACPS, the
employee shall be deemed to have given his
26
unqualified acceptance for regular promotion on
occurrence of vacancy, the officer will have to give
in writing his acceptance of the regular promotion
when offered again after the debarment period
before he can be considered for grant of second
financial upgradation under ACPS.
39. An employee is appointed to a lower Condition no. 14 of the ACPS (DoP&T O.M. dated
grade as a result of unilateral transfer 9.8.1999), inter-alia, states that in case of transfer
on personal request in terms of FR including unilateral transfer on request, regular
15(2). Will the period of service service rendered in previous organisation shall be
rendered in the higher post count for counted along with regular service in the new
the purposes of ACPS? organisation for the purposes of getting financial
upgradation under the Scheme. This condition
covers cases where a unilateral transfer is to a
lower post. However, financial upgradations under
the ACPS shall be allowed in the hierarchy of the
new post.
40. An employee drawing pay in the As the employee has remained in the scale of
scale of Rs.800-1150 (pre-revised) Rs.800-1150 all along and has not availed any
was declared surplus and was re- promotion, he is entitled to two financial
deployed as Peon in a Ministry upgradations in a scale higher than Rs.800-1150
through the Surplus Cell in the scale (pre-revised) irrespective of the post actually held
of Rs.750-940 (pre-revised). after redeployment. Since in the Ministry, a Group
However, he was allowed to draw ‘D’ employee is eligible for promotion to the grade
pay in the scale of Rs.800-1150 as of LDC provided he is a matriculate and as a post in
personal to him even after the scale of Rs.825-1200 (S-4) is not in the normal
redeployment in the lower grade. hierarchy in the Secretariat, such an employee can
What shall be his entitlements under be considered for two financial upgradations in the
ACPS? grades of LDC and UDC provided he is a
matriculate Otherwise he will get only one financial
upgradation in the revised scale of Rs.825-1200
(Rs.2750-4400 revised). Cases of other persons re-
deployed to lower posts through the Surplus Cell
may also be regulated accordingly.
41. A cadre consists of 4 Grades - ‘A’, The benefit of ACP Scheme is to be allowed as per
‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ (in ascending order). the hierarchy existing, as on the date the
Upon restructuring of a cadre, Grade employees become eligible for financial upgradation
‘B’ is abolished from a date under ACPS. . Cadres/hierarchical structures are
subsequent to 9.8.1999. Employees never static and are always subject to review based
recruited in Grade ‘A’, who are on recommendations of Pay Commissions/Expert
eligible for financial upgradation on or Committees or otherwise and it is not possible to
after 9.8.1999 but before the date of review the entitlements under ACPS already earned
effect of restructuring, get first/second every time a cadre is reviewed. ACPS is only a
financial upgradation in Grade ‘B’ and temporary solution to provide relief to stagnating
Grade ‘C’ respectively but those who employees and the lasting solution for stagnation
become eligible for financial lies in review of cadre structures, as regular
upgradation after the restructuring promotions will be earned in such restructured
has been effected are entitled to first grades. All the employees will benefit from such
financial upgradation in Grade ‘C’ and cadre restructuring.
second financial upgradation in
Grade ‘D’. This is anomalous. The
cases of earlier set of employees
27
should be reviewed and they may be
allowed financial upgradations as
applicable to the latter category of
employees.
42. An employee in Grade ‘A’ is eligible Provisions in the existing Recruitment Rules in
for promotion simultaneously to various organisations providing for multiple
Grades ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ (in ascending channels for promotion are not consistent with the
order) with varying requirements of guidelines on framing of the Recruitment Rules. All
length of service in the present grade. such Rules should be reviewed immediately so as
In other words, he has multiple to provide only a single channel of promotion.
channels of promotion. What shall be However, till such a review is undertaken, the first
his eligibility under the ACP? financial upgradation in such cases shall be allowed
with reference to the lowest promotional Grade
which is Grade ‘B’ If he does not earn any
promotion in 24 years, his second financial
upgradation will be as per the hierarchy of Grade
‘B’. However, if he has already earned one regular
promotion, then his second financial upgradation
shall be as per the hierarchy of the Grade to which
he has been promoted.
43. Whether service rendered in an ACP Scheme is applicable to Central Government

autonomous body/statutory body/ Civilian employees and for the purpose of financial
State Government prior to upgradations under the ACP Scheme, only the
appointment in Central Government regular service rendered after regular appointment
as a direct recruit prior to in a Central Government civilian post is to be
appointment in the Central counted. Therefore, service rendered in an
Government will be counted while autonomous body/statutory body/State Government
computing regular service for the is not to be counted for the purpose.
purpose of grant of financial Correspondingly, promotions earned in these
upgradations under the ACP bodies prior to appointment in the Central
Scheme? Government are also to be ignored. The clarification
in reply to point of doubt no. 4 to 6 in DoP&T O.M.
dated 10.2.2000 providing for counting of past
service in another organisation in the same grade is
only in relation to past service in a civilian post held
in the Central Government.
44. On the basis of recommendations of In reply to point of doubt No. 10 in DoP&T O.M.
the Fifth Central Pay Commission, a dated 10.2.2000, it has been stated that the scales
uniform pay structure has been of pay for ACPS for isolated posts shall be same as
introduced for Stenographers in the those applicable for similar posts in the same
non-Secretariat organisations Ministry/Department/Cadre except where the Pay
whereby the posts have been Commission has recommended specific pay scales
distributed in the ratio of 40:40:20 in for mobility under ACPS. Such cases may be
the grades of Stenographer Grade-III specifically examined by respective
(Rs.4000-6000), Stenographer Ministries/Departments in consultation with the
Grade-II (Rs.5000-8000) and Department of Personnel and Training. In the case
Stenographers Grade-I (Rs.5500- of remaining isolated posts, the pay scales
9000) However, in a particular non- contained in Annexure-II of O.M. dated August 9,
Secretariat organisation, there is only 1999 shall apply. Thus, hierarchy in Annexure-II of
an isolated post of Stenographer in O.M. dated August, 9, 1999 applies where Pay
the scale of Rs.4000-6000. Will he be Commission has not made any specific
entitled to financial upgradations in recommendation regarding scales to be allowed
28
the scale of Rs.4500-7000 and under the ACPS and where it is not possible to
Rs.5000-8000 as per Annexure II to identify similar posts in same organisation. In the
O.M. dated 9.8.1999 or can he be case of stenographers in non-Secretariat
allowed financial upgradations in the organisations, which is a common category post,
grades of Stenographer Grade-II and the Pay Commission has recommended a uniform
Stenographer Grade-I ? grade structure for which has been accepted by the
Government. Since the isolated post of
Stenographer in scale of Rs.4000-6000 in a
subordinate office is comparable to corresponding
posts of Stenographer Grade-III in other non-
Secretariat organisations under the same Ministry,
the uniform pay (grade) structure for Stenographers
may be adopted for the purpose of allowing
financial upgradations to the said isolated post. In
the instant case of an isolated post of Stenographer
(Rs.4000-6000) in a non-Sect organisation, first and
the second financial upgradations may be allowed
in the scales of Rs.5000-8000 (Steno Grade-II) and
Rs.5500-9000 (Stenographer Grade-I) respectively
provided he is otherwise eligible. A similar approach
can be adopted in respect of all other isolated posts
belonging to common categories for which Pay
Commission has similarly recommended a uniform
grade structure which has been accepted and
notified in part ‘B’ of the Ministry of Finance
notification dated September 30, 1997 or agreed to
by the Government subsequently. If such an
isolated post is in a Central Ministry/Department,
then the structure as recommended and accepted
for similar common category posts in the Central
Ministry/ Department may be adopted. If the
isolated post is in a non-Secretariat organisation,
then the uniform hierarchy as recommended for
similar posts in the non-Secretariat organisations
may be followed.
45. In certain organisations, an employee If under the relevant Recruitment/Service Rules, the
after his selection on direct induction training counts towards eligibility service
recruitment basis or even on for regular promotion, the same will also be counted
promotion is required to undergo an towards the 12-years/24 years residency
induction training before he is given a period/regular service required for financial
functional post. Whether such upgradations under ACP Scheme.
induction training shall count towards
the eligibility service for ACPS?
A person is working in the immediate An ad-hoc promotion is made only in an exigency of

promotional grade on ad-hoc basis. Is work where the post cannot be kept vacant and
46. he eligible for financial upgradation such appointment is to be discontinued as soon as
under the ACP Scheme? Will his pay a regular incumbent is appointed. In terms of
be refixed.? existing guidelines, continuation of such
arrangement beyond one year is also subject to
prior concurrence of DoP&T. Thus such an
employee can be reverted to the original regular
post at any moment. Therefore, case of an
employee holding the higher promotional grade/any
29
other post on ad-hoc basis, for grant of financial
upgradation under ACPS cannot be ignored. Upon
being recommended for grant of financial
upgradation in the higher grade, his pay may be
refixed with reference to the pay drawn in the post
held on regular basis under FR 22 (I)(a)(i) subject to
a minimum benefit of Rs. 100 as per the provisions
of the ACPS. If, on pay fixation under ACPS, the
pay gets fixed at a stage higher than the pay
already drawn on ad-hoc basis, he may be allowed
such higher pay.
An employee was allowed promotion No. It will only be a switchover from the existing
in a higher grade in terms of the scheme to the ACP Scheme as on 9.8.1999. While
47. Ministry of Finance O.M No. determining his entitlements under ACPS on or
10(1)/E.III/88 dated September 13, after 9.8.1999, pay benefits already drawn upto
1991. However, on introduction of 9.8.1999 in the higher grade allowed under the
ACPS, the benefit of the said O.M. is Scheme of September 13, 1991 are not to be
to be withdrawn so as to allow the recovered.
benefits under the ACPS in terms of
the stipulation that no time bound
promotion/insitu promotion scheme
can run concurrently with the ACPS.
Will the benefit of higher grade drawn
prior to 9.8.1999 will also be
withdrawn?
48. Whether sealed cover procedure as Yes. Condition no. 11 of the ACP Scheme issued
laid down vide DoP&T O.M. No. vide DoP&T O.M. dated 9.8.1999 clearly states that
22011/4/91-Estt (A) dated 14.9.1992 in the matter of disciplinary/penalty proceedings,
is to be followed in cases relating to grant of benefits under the ACP Scheme shall be
ACP also? subject to rules governing normal promotion.
Therefore, when the employee is exonerated, the
recommendations of the Screening Committee
placed in a sealed cover will be opened and its
recommendations acted upon. If he has been
recommended for grant of financial upgradation, the
benefit of the same will be allowed from 9.8.1999 or
from the date of completion of 12/24 years regular
service, which ever is later. If, however, the
employee is not exonerated and a formal penalty is
imposed, sealed cover will not be opened and the
case of employee will be considered only in the
next meeting of the Screening Committee. If such
Screening Committee, having regard to all relevant
facts, recommends grant of financial upgradation,
then such upgradation shall be allowed only on
expiry of the period of penalty and not during the
currency of the penalty. If penalty imposed is
Censure or recovery of loss to the Government,
then such upgradation shall be allowed from the
date of meeting of the Screening Committee which
met to consider his case subsequent to imposition
of penalty. The next financial upgradation shall be
allowed only on completion of 12 years regular
30
service from the date from which the first
upgradation under the ACP is allowed and not
necessarily on completion of 24 years of service.
49. Whether any period(s) of break-in- Break in service under FR 17A incurs only 3
service under FR 17A declared specific disabilities as specified in the relevant FR.
during the career of an employee will It does not affect the normal regular promotions.
have any adverse effect on his Consequently, it will have no affect on financial
getting financial upgradation under upgradation under the ACP Scheme.
the ACP Scheme?
50. Whether temporary service in respect If the redeployment through the Surplus Cell is in
of a person who was declared the same/lower scale, such temporary service (and
surplus and redeployed through the not an ad-hoc service) rendered prior to
Surplus Cell will be counted with the retrenchment may count towards regular service for
subsequent regular service in the purposes of ACPS in the new organisation. If the
new Organisation for purposes of the redeployment is in a higher grade, regular service
ACP Scheme. What will be the will count only from the date of appointment in the
position in respect of those temporary new Organisation. However, this will not cover
employees who at the time of cases of those temporary employees who had put
retrenchment did not possess the in less than the required length of service for being
required service to be taken on the taken on the strength of the Surplus Cell and whose
rolls of Surplus cell and were temporary service was terminated but were given
terminated but were offered fresh preference in fresh appointment in the Government
appointment in a new organisation in terms of DoP&T O.M. dated 27.3.1976/29.6.78
through the efforts of the parent read with DoP&T O.M. dated 22.1.1993. In their
Ministry/Department. case, the past temporary service before
retrenchment shall not count towards residency
period for grant of ACPS
51. Whether work charged staff is eligible If, in the matter of service conditions, work charged
to be covered under the ACPS? staff is comparable with the staff of regular
establishment, there is no objection in extending the
ACP Scheme to the work charged staff.
52. Following the recommendations of Normally, it is incorrect to have a feeder grade and
the Pay Commission, feeder and a promotional grade in the same scale of pay. In
promotional posts have been placed such cases, appropriate course of action is to
in the same scale. Consequently, review the cadre structure. If as a restructuring,
hierarchy of a post comprises of feeder and promotional posts are merged to
Grades ‘A’, ‘A’ and ‘C’ i.e. the entry constitute one single level in the hierarchy, then in
level and the first promotional grade such a case, next financial upgradation will be in
are in the same scale. What shall be the next hierarchical grade above the merged levels
his entitlements under ACPS. and if any promotion has been allowed in the past
in grades which stand merged, it will have to be
ignored as already clarified in reply to point of doubt
No. 1 of O.M. dated 10.2.2000. However, if for
certain reasons, it is inescapable to retain both
feeder and promotional grades as two distinct levels
in the hierarchy though in the same scale of pay,
thereby making a provision for allowing promotion
to a higher post in the same grade, it is inevitable
that benefit of financial upgradation under ACPS
has also to be allowed in the same scale. This is for
the reason that under the ACPS, financial
31
upgradation has to be allowed as per the ‘existing
hierarchy’. Financial upgradation cannot be allowed
in a scale higher than the next promotional grade.
However, as specified in condition No 9 of the ACP
Scheme (vide DoP&T O.M. dated 10.2.2000, pay in
such cases shall be fixed under the provisions of
FR 22 (I)(a) (I) subject to a minimum benefit of
Rs.100.
53. If for promotion on regular basis, an In terms of condition No. 6 of, Annexure-I to DoP&T
employee has to possess a higher/ O.M. dated 9.8.1999, only those employees who
additional qualification, will it be fulfill all promotional norms are eligible to be
necessary to insist on possession of considered for benefit under ACPS. Therefore,
these qualifications even while various stipulations and conditions specified in the
considering grant of financial recruitment rules for promotion to the next higher
upgradation under the ACPS? grade, including the higher/additional educational
qualification, if prescribed, would need to be met
even for consideration under ACPS.
54. Whether EOL without medical Unless the counting of such leave or any other kind
certificate will count for computing of leave is specifically excluded under relevant rules
regular service under ACPS governing promotions for being counted towards
regular service for promotion (e.g. in some cases of
promotions under Flexible Complementing
Scheme), all kinds of leave including EOL without
medical grounds normally counts towards regular
service for promotion. EOL without medical grounds
will be similarly treated while computing regular
service for purposes of grant of financial
upgradation under ACPS.
55. A cadre has been restructured with Financial upgradation under ACP Scheme is to be
proper sanction but the recruitment allowed under the hierarchy existing as on 9.8.1999
rules for the restructured grades are or at the time one becomes eligible, which ever is
still to be framed. Whether the later. Since a new hierarchy has come into being,
individuals be granted financial financial upgradations may be allowed only in the
upgradation in the existing restructured hierarchy. If model Recruitment Rules
hierarchical order or in the revised exist for such restructured grades, then Screening
hierarchical order introduced Committee may review cases on the basis of such
subsequently model Rules? Otherwise, ACPS may be allowed
after finalisation of Recruitment Rules but the
benefit may be allowed from the due date.
56. The Fifth Central Pay Commission Financial upgradations under ACPS are to be
has identified a number of common allowed in the ‘existing hierarchy’. However, in reply
category posts spread across various to point of doubt No. 2, it has already been clarified
Ministries/ Departments as well as in that existing hierarchy in relation to a cadre would
Offices outside the Secretariat as mean the restructured grades recommended by the
discussed in chapter 55 of its report Fifth Central Pay Commission. Further, as an
and also in other Chapters and has example, in reply to point of doubt no. 19, it has
made recommendations for adoption been stated that in order to secure upward mobility
of uniform grade/cadre structure of library staff under the ACPS, it has been decided
subject to functional needs of an to adopt the pay structure as notified by the Ministry
individual organisation. In a large of Finance vide O.M. dated July 24, 1990 subject to
organisation, all the hierarchical the terms and conditions specified by them.
32
levels as per uniform cadre/grade Therefore, the ACPS already envisages that in
structure may be created while in a respect of common category posts, if the
smaller office, a few levels of the Government has accepted a uniform standard
uniform hierarchical structure may not hierarchical structure, then ‘existing hierarchy’ in
be introduced keeping in view the relation to such common categories shall be the
functional needs of the organisation. standard hierarchy as approved by the Government
Consequently, while in a larger and not the hierarchy in a particular office, which,
organisation/cadre, promotions are for functional considerations may not have all the
allowed in consecutive hierarchical grades. If such financial upgradations are allowed
grades, in a smaller cadre, keeping purely such local hierarchy in view, it will
promotions involve substantial jumps result in vast disparities in entitlements under ACPS
though in such cases, the for identical category of posts which cannot be
requirement of period of regular justified. It has the potential of generating huge
service in the feeder grade as disquiet and unrest, which will not be in public
specified in the Recruitment Rules interest.
may be longer. Since, under ACPS,
the requirement of longer regular
service in the feeder grade for
promotion to such higher levels is not If, however, the Fifth Central Pay Commission has
reckoned while considering financial recommended a specific pay structure/ACP grades
upgradations, it results in a situation for a particular category in an organisation, which
where persons belonging to common may seemingly belong to a common category, then
category and recruited at same time the mobility under ACPS in respect of such specific
in same entry grades are entitled to posts in that organisation shall be through the grade
financial upgradations in vastly structure/ACPS grades recommended for that
different grades under ACPS. Is it not organisation, if the same has been approved by the
anomalous? Government, and not the standard
grade/hierarchical structure recommended for such
common category.
57. Whether an employee who has not In para 6 of DoP&T O.M. dated 10.2.2000, it has
been recommended for grant of been provided that the Screening Committee shall
financial upgradation under ACPS by meet twice in a financial year – preferably in the first
a Screening Committee can be week of January and July for advance processing of
considered by the next Screening the cases maturing in the respective half of the
Committee to be held in the other half financial year concerned. Normally, a case, once
of the year or one held only on expiry considered, should be reviewed only in the
of one year? Screening Committee to be held after one year.
However, if an additional ACR report has become
available in respect of such an employee before
cases are processed for placing the other cases
before the Screening Committee to be held in the
second half, or if there is any other development
which makes a material change in the matter of
assessment from the position obtaining when the
case was considered earlier by the Screening
Committee, there is no objection to the case of such
employee being considered in the subsequent
Screening Committee to be held in the other half of
the year. As regards date of effect for grant of
ACPS in such cases, it is clarified that ACPS is
applicable on 9.8.1999 or from date of completion
of 12/24 years of regular service only in those
cases where the employee is found fit for grant of
33
ACPS at the first opportunity. If, however, he is
found suitable only by a subsequent Screening
Committee, the benefit of ACPS will be allowed to
him only from the date of meeting of the Screening
Committee in which he is recommended for grant of
ACP. If the first financial upgradation is deferred in
this manner, the second financial upgradation shall
be allowed only after completion of 12 years of
regular service from the date of first financial
upgradation subject to fulfillment of the prescribed
conditions. In this regard condition no. 4 of the
Scheme is relevant.
58. (i) An Inspector in a CPO in the pay ACPS only allows financial upgradation and cannot
scale of Rs.6500-10500 is entitled to be equated with regular promotion though normal
benefits like Ration Allowance, promotion norms are insisted for grant of this
Washing Allowance, Leave financial upgradation. Even after grant of financial
encashment for working on holidays, upgradation which is allowed as personal to the
bonus etc. Some of these benefits employee, he continues to hold the original post on
are not admissible to incumbents of regular basis, with same designation, classification,
posts in the grade of Assistant duties and responsibilities etc. In other words,
Commandant (Rs.8000-13,500). Will except being allowed to draw pay in a higher grade
the Inspector continue to get these the employee continues to be regular incumbent of
benefits upon grant of financial the post to which he has been selected on regular
upgradation in the grade of Assistant basis as per the Recruitment Rules.
Commandant.
Therefore, if there are certain perks and benefits,
which are applicable to an employee as a result of
his holding a particular post, the same will continue
(ii) Officers in the higher promotional to be available to him, notwithstanding the fact that
grade are entitled to facilities like he may be placed in a higher grade on personal
telephone at residence, basis under ACPS. On the same analogy in the
reimbursement of cost of second case, except the entitlements like higher
newspaper/magazines, which are not advance, HBA etc. which are linked to pay scale
admissible to feeder grade post rather than status of the higher post, no privileges
holder. Which such facilities are related to status of the higher post will be applicable
available when feeder grade holder is in the event of grant of financial upgradation in the
allowed financial upgradation under grade of the higher post. This has been clarified in
Caps in the grade of higher condition No. 6 of the ACP Scheme introduced vide
promotional post. O.M. dated 9.8.1999 also.
59. Where the Strength of Staff Car As in the case of Stenographers discussed in point
Drivers is not sufficient to introduce of doubt No. 44 above, Staff Car Drivers in such
the Staff Car Driver Scheme notified organisations may be allowed financial
by DoP&T, or where the organisation upgradations in the scales as applicable under the
consciously decides to opt for the Staff Car Driver Scheme on completion of 12/24
ACPS, how is the ACP to be years of regular service subject to passing of the
regulated in case of such Staff Car trade tests as specified in the Scheme. However,
Drivers. where the Staff Car Driver Scheme is applicable,
ACPS is not applicable.
34
No.22034/5/2001-Estt(D)
Government of India
New Delhi 110001
August 20, 2001
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME (ACPS) FOR THE CENTRAL
GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES – CLARIFICATION REGARDING
The undersigned is directed to invite attention of the Ministries/Departments to this Department’s Office
Memorandum No.35034/1/97-Estt(D)(Vol.IV) dated 10.2.2000 furnishing clarifications to various points
of doubts raised by the Ministries/Departments about certain issues in connection with the
implementation of the ACP Scheme. In reply to point of doubt No.29 whether the upgradations under
ACPS are to be allowed to the employees who are on deputation in other organisations/on training/on
study leave, following clarification was furnished:
"It has been clarified vide Condition No.6 of ACPS that such upgradation shall not entitle for deputation
to higher posts. Therefore, as a corollary, upgradation under ACPS shall be allowed, in respect of
employees who are on deputation, only on notional basis, as otherwise such upgradation in the cadre
may have a bearing on the deputation pay of the official. However, an employee will get the actual
benefit on the basis of such notional pay fixation under ACPS with prospective effect only on
repatriation. Similarly, since an employee draws leave salary while on leave, he will get similar treatment
as allowed to a person on deputation. However, upgradation under ACPS may be allowed to an
employee who is on training as he is on duty for all practical purposes".
2. A number of Ministries/Departments/Organisations have reported to this Department that due to the
provision for admissibility of financial upgradation under ACPS only on notional basis during the period
of deputation, officers who have availed the higher scale under ACPS in their cadre, or are expecting the
same shortly, are reluctant to opt for appointment on deputation to ex-cadre posts and many persons
who are already on deputation have also opted to revert to the parent cadre on availing the ACP benefit
without completing the period of deputation. This has created problems in securing the services of
suitable persons for appointment against ex-cadre posts. DoP&T has been requested to review the
existing provisions of the ACPS in this regard.
3. Accordingly, the matter has been examined and keeping in view the problems faced by various
Ministries/Departments/Organisations in filling up the ex-cadre posts, it has been decided that while
eligibility of an employee for appointment against an ex-cadre post in terms of the provisions of the
Recruitment Rules of the ex-cadre post will continue to be determined with reference to the post/pay
scale of the post held in the parent cadre on regular basis (and not with reference to the higher scale
granted under ACPS), such an officer, in the event of his selection, may be allowed to opt to draw pay in
the higher scale under ACP Scheme without deputation allowance during the period of deputation, if it is
more beneficial than the normal entitlements under the existing general orders regulating pay on
appointment on deputation basis. Clarification to point of doubt No.29 in this Department’s O.M. dated
10.2.2000 ibid stands amended to the above extent. There is no change in the clarification relating to
admissibility of ACPS to persons on leave/on training.
4. Past cases, decided otherwise on the basis of the earlier clarification, may also be reviewed in the
light of the above decision.
5. All Ministries/Departments are requested to bring the above decision to the notice of all concerned for
immediate action.
(ALOK SAXENA)
DEPUTY SECRETARY TO THE GOVT. OF INDIA
35
No.35014/1/2003-Estt(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel , Public. Grievances. & Pensions
New Delhi-100001
Dated June 29, 2004
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme for the Central Government Civilian
Employees – clarification regarding.
In terms of the provisions of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme introduced by the
Department of Personnel & Training vide Office Memorandum No. 35034/1/1997 –Estt (D) dated August
9,1999, the extension of the benefit of higher pay scales under the ACP Scheme, in accordance with the
existing hierarchy, is subject to fulfilment of certain conditions enumerated in Annexure I of the said
Office Memorandum. Condition number 6 provides for fulfillment of the normal promotion norms (bench-
mark, departmental examination, seniority-cum-fitness in case of Gr. D employees etc.) prescribed in the
Recruitment Rules. It has further been clarified in reply to point of doubt number 53 of DoPT Office
Memorandum No. 35034/1/97-Estt-D (Vol.IV) dated 18th July, 2001 that various conditions specified in
the Recruitment Rules for promotion to the next higher grade, including the higher/additional educational
qualification, if prescribed, would need to be met even for consideration under the ACP Scheme.
2. A doubt has been expressed as to whether the requirement of fulfilment of all promotional norms even
for ACP Scheme will include the requirement of fulfillment of minimum eligibility service prescribed in the
Recruitment Rules for promotion to next higher grade in the hierarchy.
3. In this regard, it is pointed out that, in terms of condition number 4 of the ACP Scheme, the first
financial upgradation shall be allowed after 12 years of regular service and the second financial
upgradation after 12 years of regular service from the date of the first financial upgradation, subject to
fulfilment of the prescribed conditions. Condition number 5.1 further provides that two financial
upgradations under the ACP Scheme shall be available only if no regular promotions during the
prescribed periods (12 and 24 years) have been availed by an employee. If an employee has already
received one regular promotion, he shall qualify for the second financial upgradation only on completion
of 24 years of regular service under the Scheme. Condition number 15 provides that, subject to
condition number 4, where the employees have already completed 24 years of regular service, with or
without a promotion, the second financial upgradation under the Scheme shall be granted directly.
4. It is, therefore, clear from harmonious reading of condition number 6 of the ACP Scheme with the
other conditions and stipulations of the Scheme that, while a person has to be eligible in all other
aspects (educational qualification, departmental examination, skill/trade test, bench mark etc.) to hold
the higher post, in terms of the Recruitment Rules, the scale of which is being considered under the ACP
Scheme, insofar as the requirement of "eligibility service" is concerned, the only requirement is that he
should have completed the prescribed 12 or 24 years’ regular service, as the case may be, counted from
the direct entry grade.
5. In fact, this condition has been further relaxed in respect of cases where an employee has moved
from one post to another post on direct recruitment/absorption basis or on deputation basis, followed by
absorption. In such cases, as clarified in reply to point of doubt number 4-6 of O.M. No. 35034/1/97-Estt-
D (Vol.IV) dated 10th February, 2000, past service in the same grade can also be counted towards the
regular service.
36
6. The Staff Side (National Council), JCM have brought to notice that certain Departments are insisting
on completion of 2 years’ regular service before grant of first financial upgradation under ACP Scheme
in the grade of Peon in respect of Safaiwalas, Malis, Watchman etc. who were appointed as Peon in the
same pay scale on lateral transfer basis under the 25 % quota earmarked for them, even though they
have completed the required 12 years’ regular service in that grade at the time of appointment as Peon
or immediately thereafter. In view of the position stated in para-4 above, a Safaiwala, Watchman etc.
when appointed as Peon may be considered for grant of first financial upgradation on completion of 12
years’ regular service in the grade of Rs. 2550-3200 (S-1), including the past service in that grade,
without insistence on further completion of 2 years’ regular service in the grade of Peon.
7. Hindi version will follow.
(Alok Saxena)
Director
To
All Ministries/Departments of Govt. of India.

Copy to:-
1. The President’s Secretariat, New Delhi.
2. The Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi.
3. Cabinet Secretariat, New Delhi.
4. Rajya Sabha Secretariat/ Lok Sabha Secretariat,, New Delhi.
5. The Registrar General, The Supreme Court of India.
6. The Registrar, Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi.
7. The Comptroller and Audit General of India, New Delhi.
8. The Union Public Service Commission, with reference to their letter No. 11/16/2003-AUC dated 4th
March, 2004 (20 copies).
9. The Staff Selection Commission, New Delhi.
10. All attached offices under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
11. National Commission for SCs/STs, New Delhi.
12. Secretary, National Council(JCM), 13, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi
13. Establishment Officer & A.S.
14. National Commission for OBCs, New Delhi.
15. All Officers and Sections in the Department of Personnel and Training.
16. Facilitation Center, DoP&T(20 copies).
17. NIC (DoP&T) for placing this Office Memorandum on the Website of DoP&T
18. Establishment (D) Section (200 copies).
37

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North Block, New Delhi 110001

2. GROUP ‘A’ CENTRAL SERVICES

3. GROUP ‘B’, ‘C’ AND ‘D’ SERVICES/POSTS AND ISOLATED

POSTS IN GROUP ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ AND ‘D’ CATEGORIES

13. Hindi version would follow.

1. All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India

CONDITIONS FOR GRANT OF BENEFITS UNDER THE ACP SCHEME

6. Fulfillment of normal promotion norms (bench-mark, departmental examination, seniority-cum-fitness

As per Part-A of the First Schedule Annexed to the Ministry of Finance

(Department of Expenditure) Gazette Notification dated September 30, 1997

[REFERENCE PARA 7 OF ANNEXURE I OF THIS OFFICE MEMORANDUM]

S.No. Revised pay-scales (Rs)

10. S-10 5500-175-9000

11. S-12 6500-200-10500

12. S-13 7450-225-11500

13. S-14 7500-250-12000

14. S-15 8000-275-13500

15. S-19 10000-325-15200

16. S-21 12000-375-16500

17. S-23 12000-375-18000

18. S-24 14300-400-18300

New Delhi 110001

Subject:-ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

4. Hindi version would follow.

[Reference:-Office Memorandum No.35034/1/97-Estt(D)(Vol.IV) dated 10.2.2000]

S.No. Point of doubt Clarification

4. In a case where a person is appointed

Needless to say, in cases of transfer on

9. A merged pre-revised pay-scale of The issue of demerger of the integrated pay-scale of

(i)The special pay in the lower post should have

(ii)If the special pay has been drawn in the lower

(iii)In both kinds of cases referred to in clause (ii)

Post Pay-scales Pay-scales

Library and Information Assistant 1400-2600 5000-8000

Sr. Library and Information Assistant 1640-2900 5500-9000

Assistant Library and Information Officer 2000-3500 6500-10500

Library and Information Officer 3000-4500 10000-15200

Director (Library and Information) 4500-5700 14300-18300

(i) If such cadre/hierarchy exists in the Ministry/

(ii) In the case of attached/subordinate offices, the

Subject:-Implementation of the Assured Career Progression Scheme – Regarding.

1. All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India

Subject:-Implementation of the Assured Career Progression Scheme – Regarding.

1. All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India

Subject:-Grant of financial upgradations under the Assured Career Progression Scheme to

4. In certain Ministries/Departments/Organizations, Group ‘D’ employees initially recruited at S-2/S-3

All Ministries/Departments of the Government of India

5. Department of Expenditure (Implementation Cell) (40 copies).

6. Facilitation Center, DoP&T (20 copies).

8. Establishment (D) Section, DoP&T (500 copies).

New Delhi 110001

Subject: - ASSURED CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

2. Some more situations in which a doubt persists in various organizations in regard to

4. Hindi version would follow.

[Reference: Office Memorandum No. 35034/1/97-Estt(D)(Vol.IV) dated 18.7.2001]

S.No. Point of doubt Clarification

If the rationalised/restructured grades require

Where placement in a higher grade involves