MACP Relief for MTS Officials: Department of Posts Clarifies Rules on Pre-DPC Unwillingness for Postman Promotion
Department of Posts Clarifies MACP Benefits for MTS Officials on Pre-Promotion Unwillingness
The Department of Posts has issued an important clarification regarding the grant of financial upgradation under the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) Scheme for Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) officials who had submitted their willingness or unwillingness for promotion to the Postman cadre before being considered by the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC). The clarification, issued on 1 July 2026, aims to ensure uniform implementation of the MACP Scheme across all Postal Circles.
Background
The Department received several representations stating that some Postal Circles had treated the unwillingness submitted by MTS officials before the promotion process as a refusal of regular promotion. As a result, financial upgradation under the MACP Scheme was denied or deferred under Para 24 of the Scheme.
Key Clarifications
The Department has clarified that:
- Unwillingness submitted before consideration by the DPC shall not be treated as refusal of regular promotion.
- Merely obtaining willingness or unwillingness from officials falling within the zone of consideration before the DPC process is not in accordance with the prescribed promotion procedure.
- Therefore, financial upgradation under the MACP Scheme cannot be denied or postponed solely because an MTS official expressed unwillingness before DPC consideration.
When Para 24 of the MACP Scheme Will Apply
The clarification also specifies that if an MTS official:
- Is found fit and recommended by the DPC for promotion to the Postman cadre against an available vacancy, and
- Promotion orders are not issued only because the official had already submitted unwillingness,
then such unwillingness will be treated as refusal of regular promotion, and the provisions of Para 24 of the MACP Scheme will apply.
Review of Pending Cases
The Department has directed all Postal Circles to review cases where MTS officials were not considered by the DPC solely because they had submitted advance unwillingness. Such cases should now be placed before the appropriate DPC, and further action regarding promotion and MACP benefits should be taken based on the DPC's recommendations.
Conclusion
This clarification provides significant relief to many MTS officials by ensuring that pre-selection unwillingness alone cannot be used as a ground to deny MACP financial upgradation. The Department has instructed all Circles to examine affected cases and take appropriate action in accordance with the revised guidelines, ensuring fair and consistent implementation of the MACP Scheme.