FNPO Strongly Opposes Postal Network Rationalisation and Cadre Merger – Key Issues Discussed at Directorate Meeting on 3rd November 2026
एफएनपीओ ने डाक नेटवर्क को तर्कसंगत बनाने और कैडर विलय का कड़ा विरोध किया - 3 नवंबर 2026 को निदेशालय की बैठक में प्रमुख मुद्दों पर चर्चा की गई
A crucial meeting was held at the Department of Posts Directorate on 3rd November 2026 to deliberate on major proposals concerning the rationalisation of Head Offices (HOs) and Sub Offices (SOs), Online Establishment Review and the proposed merger of PA (CO/RO), Sorting Assistant (SA) and PA (PO) cadres.
The meeting was chaired by the Member (Personnel) in the presence of the DDG (Establishment). The Secretary, Department of Posts, also joined the meeting during its concluding session.
A delegation of FNPO, comprising its Secretary General, office bearers and representatives of various affiliated unions, participated in the discussions and strongly articulated the concerns of postal employees.
1. Rationalisation of Head Offices – FNPO Opposes Unnecessary Reduction
The Department presented its proposal for rationalising the existing network of Head Offices and Sub Offices. The staff side strongly opposed any arbitrary reduction or downgrading of existing Head Offices.
FNPO representatives highlighted that:
- There are presently 810 Head Offices against 746 districts across the country.
- Even under the proposed norm of one Head Post Office per district, the excess would be only 41 Head Offices.
- By adopting a norm of 25 Sub Offices per Head Office and rationally redistributing the Sub Offices, all existing Head Offices could be retained.
The staff side questioned the justification for reducing the number of Head Offices and rejected the argument that administrative work involved in preparing Last Pay Certificates (LPCs) for transferred officials could be a reason for such restructuring.
It was firmly conveyed that administrative convenience cannot become a justification for weakening the existing postal infrastructure.
2. Online Establishment Review – APT 2.0 Data Is Not Enough
The proposed Online Establishment Review was another important issue discussed during the meeting.
FNPO representatives pointed out that several manual activities and responsibilities performed by postal employees are not adequately captured in APT 2.0.
Consequently, assessing staff requirements exclusively on the basis of available APT 2.0 data would result in an incomplete and potentially misleading picture of the actual workload of individual offices.
The staff side emphasised that any establishment review must consider ground realities, additional responsibilities, manual activities and the actual service requirements of each office.
The DDG (Establishment) advised all recognised associations to submit their detailed suggestions, observations and objections in writing to the Directorate.
3. Proposed Closure of Sub Offices – Public Interest Must Prevail
The Department explained its proposal to identify Sub Offices for closure based on the following criteria:
- Sub Offices not generating revenue.
- Sub Offices located within 2 km of another office in urban areas.
- Sub Offices located within 3 km of another office in rural areas.
The staff side expressed serious reservations about these criteria.
FNPO representatives strongly emphasised that the importance of a Post Office cannot be determined merely by its revenue generation or geographical proximity to another office.
Post Offices are essential public service institutions, particularly for rural populations, remote communities and economically weaker sections.
The closure of any Post Office must be considered only after evaluating public convenience, accessibility, social responsibilities and the actual needs of the people.
A Post Office is not merely a revenue-generating establishment; it is an essential public service centre.
4. Merger of PA (CO/RO), Sorting Assistant and PA (PO) Cadres – Strong Opposition by Staff Side
One of the most sensitive and significant agenda items was the proposed merger of PA (CO/RO) and Sorting Assistant cadres with the PA (PO) cadre.
The staff side categorically opposed the proposal.
The Department reportedly cited the reluctance of RMS officials to accept LSG and HSG promotions because of the possibility of transfers to other stations as one of the reasons for considering the merger.
FNPO representatives strongly contested this justification and highlighted the possible adverse consequences for employees, including:
- Loss of independent cadre identity.
- Adverse impact on promotional avenues and career progression.
- Complications concerning seniority and existing service conditions.
- Differences in the nature of duties and responsibilities.
- Uncertainty regarding the future career prospects of Sorting Assistants and other affected employees.
The staff side firmly maintained that genuine issues concerning promotions and transfers should be resolved through suitable administrative measures rather than by merging independent cadres.
The existing cadre identity, seniority, promotional rights and service conditions of Sorting Assistants and other affected employees must be protected.
5. FNPO Calls for Suggestions and Objections from All Circles and Divisions
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Member (Personnel) requested the staff-side representatives to submit comprehensive suggestions, observations and objections regarding the proposals discussed.
FNPO reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of postal employees, preserving the existing postal network and safeguarding the independent identity of various cadres.
All Circle Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries and CHQ office bearers have been requested to examine the proposals carefully, discuss their implications at their respective levels and forward their valuable suggestions and objections to CHQ at the earliest.
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