AIAIPASP Seeks Review of Directorate Transfer Policy for IP/ASP Officers
AIAIPASP Seeks Reconsideration of Directorate Transfer & Posting Guidelines for IP/ASP Officers
The All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents, Posts (AIAIPASP) has submitted a representation to the Secretary (Posts) and the Director General of Postal Services, requesting a review and modification of the recently issued Transfer & Posting Guidelines dated 19 June 2026 for Inspector Posts (IP) and Assistant Superintendent of Posts (ASP) officers serving in the Directorate. The association has expressed concern that certain provisions of the revised policy may cause hardship to officers who opted for permanent absorption in the Directorate under the 2023 policy.
Download Transfer Policy for IP/ASP Officers in PDF
Background
The association has referred to the Directorate's transfer and posting guidelines issued in March 2023, under which the Directorate was treated on par with a Postal Circle for the purpose of posting IP/ASP officers.
Under those guidelines:
- Directorate was considered equivalent to a Postal Circle.
- Officers posted on the regular establishment of the Directorate could be transferred to a Postal Circle only on their request or in the interest of service.
- Such transfers were not covered under Rule 38.
- Officers exercised their options based on these assurances and surrendered their lien in their parent circles.
Concerns Over the 2026 Guidelines
According to the association, the revised Transfer & Posting Guidelines dated 19 June 2026 introduce several new provisions that significantly alter the earlier framework.
The major concerns include:
- Introduction of a mandatory six-year tenure for IP/ASP officers on the regular establishment of the Directorate.
- Counting of past service in the Directorate while calculating the six-year tenure.
- Requirement for officers completing six years to submit three preferred Postal Circles for repatriation or reposting.
Issues Highlighted by the Association
The representation states that:
- Many officers remained outside the purview of Rule 38 under the earlier policy and therefore could not seek transfers to their preferred circles, while others secured postings of their choice.
- Several officers have settled with their families in Delhi/NCR, made housing commitments, and planned their children's education based on the expectation of continued service in the Directorate.
- The revised policy may also adversely affect officers awaiting postings to their home circles after promotion.
Suggestions Made by AIAIPASP
To address these concerns, the association has requested the Department to consider either of the following:
1. Continue Directorate Service
Allow IP/ASP officers absorbed under the regular establishment to continue serving in the Directorate, with transfers only between sections, divisions, or Directorates, similar to transfers within Postal Circles, until their promotion to PS Group-B.
2. One-Time Grandfathering
Provide a one-time grandfathering arrangement by exempting officers who were permanently absorbed under the 2023 policy framework from the newly introduced compulsory six-year tenure rule. The association has clarified that this would be a one-time transitional measure applicable only to officers covered under the earlier policy.
Conclusion
The association has appealed to the Department of Posts to adopt a balanced and equitable approach while implementing the revised transfer policy. It has emphasized that officers accepted permanent absorption in the Directorate based on the assurances provided under the 2023 guidelines and requested reconsideration of the new provisions to avoid unintended hardship.
Note: This is a representation submitted by the All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents, Posts (AIAIPASP) requesting modification of the transfer policy. It is not an official approval or amendment by the Department of Posts.