CAT Grants NFSG Grade Pay ₹5400 to ASPs After 4 Years – Major Relief for Postal Officers
CAT Grants NFSG Grade Pay ₹5400 to ASPs After 4 Years – Major Relief for Postal Officers Grants Major Relief to ASPs: NFSG Grade Pay ₹5400 After 4 Years in GP ₹4800
In a significant relief for Assistant Superintendent of Posts (ASPs) across the Department of Posts, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has reaffirmed that eligible ASPs are entitled to the Non-Functional Selection Grade (NFSG) of Grade Pay ₹5400 (Level-9) after completing four years of regular service in Grade Pay ₹4800.
The judgment was delivered on 10 July 2026 in O.A. No. 2483/2026 along with M.A. No. 3214/2026.
Background of the Case
A group of 36 Assistant Superintendent of Posts (ASPs) from various Postal Circles approached the CAT seeking:
- Grant of NFSG Grade Pay ₹5400 (PB-2/Level-9) after completion of four years of regular service in Grade Pay ₹4800.
- Re-fixation of pay.
- Payment of arrears.
- All consequential service and financial benefits.
The applicants relied on earlier favourable judgments delivered by the CAT Hyderabad Bench, CAT Bangalore Bench, and other judicial forums where identical relief had already been granted.
Tribunal's Key Observations
The Tribunal observed that the issue is already settled by previous judicial decisions and is no longer res integra (a matter already decided by courts).
The CAT further held that:
- Similarly placed ASPs cannot be denied the benefit merely because they were not applicants in the earlier cases.
- Membership in a particular association cannot be made a condition for extending the benefit.
- The Department of Posts has already implemented earlier CAT judgments in similar cases, and therefore the same benefit should be extended to other eligible ASPs.
CAT's Final Order
M.A. No. 3214/2026
The Tribunal allowed the Miscellaneous Application, permitting all applicants to file a joint application.
O.A. No. 2483/2026
Following its earlier decisions, the CAT disposed of the Original Application with directions to the Department of Posts to:
- Consider the cases of all eligible applicants.
- Grant Non-Functional Grade Pay ₹5400 (Level-9) in accordance with law and previous CAT judgments.
- Extend all consequential benefits, including pay fixation and admissible arrears, within the prescribed time.
What Does This Mean for ASPs?
The judgment has significant implications for Assistant Superintendent of Posts across India.
Eligible ASPs who have:
- Completed four years of regular service in Grade Pay ₹4800, and
- Are similarly placed to those covered under earlier CAT judgments,
are entitled to be considered for NFSG Grade Pay ₹5400 (Level-9).
The Department of Posts cannot deny this benefit merely because an officer was not a party to the earlier litigation.
Why This Judgment is Important
This order reinforces the principle of equal treatment for similarly placed employees and prevents unnecessary litigation by extending benefits already recognized through previous judicial decisions.
It is expected to benefit many ASPs who are awaiting grant of the Non-Functional Selection Grade and related financial benefits.
Conclusion
The CAT's latest judgment is another important milestone for Assistant Superintendent of Posts seeking NFSG Grade Pay ₹5400 after four years of regular service in GP ₹4800. Eligible officers should closely follow further instructions from their respective Postal Circles regarding implementation of the Tribunal's directions.
PostalStudy.in will continue to provide updates on the implementation of this judgment and any further developments issued by the Department of Posts.