Major Proposal for Kerala Postal Sub-Division Reorganisation Based on Revised SIU Norms
Kerala Circle Proposes Comprehensive Reorganisation of Postal Sub-Divisions Under Revised SIU Norms
Kerala Circle | 29 July 2026
The All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents Posts (AIASP), Kerala Circle has submitted a proposal seeking a comprehensive reorganisation of Postal Sub-Divisions in Kerala Circle based on the revised SIU Committee norms of 2025.
Download Kerala Circle Sub-Division Reorganisation Based on Revised SIU Norms in PDFThe proposal, addressed to the Chief Postmaster General, Kerala Circle, argues that the existing organisational structure needs to be reassessed in view of the significant changes in the nature and volume of work handled by Inspector Posts (IP) and Assistant Superintendent of Posts (ASP) cadre officers.
Existing 75 Sub-Divisions Could Increase to 107
One of the key findings highlighted in the proposal is the substantial difference between the requirements calculated under the old 1977 SIU norms and the revised 2025 norms.
According to the workload assessment attached to the proposal:
| Particulars | Existing / Old Norms | Revised 2025 Norms |
|---|---|---|
| Existing Sub-Divisions | 75 | 75 |
| Sub-Divisions justified | 83 | 107 |
| Additional requirement over existing | 8 | 32 |
Thus, while the old norms justify 83 Sub-Divisions, application of the revised norms increases the requirement to approximately 107 Sub-Divisions.
This represents an increase of 32 Sub-Divisions over the existing 75, or approximately 42.7%, according to the calculations contained in the proposal.
Why the Old SIU Norms Need Revision
The Association has pointed out that the existing SIU norms were framed nearly five decades ago and do not adequately reflect the present operational environment of the Department of Posts.
The responsibilities of IP/ASP officers have expanded considerably beyond conventional inspection activities. The proposal specifically identifies areas such as:
- Business development
- Financial inclusion
- Digital services
- Technology management
- Vigilance
- Disciplinary proceedings
- Fraud investigation
- Customer grievance redressal
- Court-related matters
- Implementation of various Government initiatives
The Association therefore contends that the workload of the cadre has changed substantially and that the old norms underestimate the responsibilities currently entrusted to Sub-Divisional Heads.
Division-Wise Increase Under Revised Norms
The annexure to the proposal provides detailed workload calculations for the Postal Divisions. Some of the major changes under the revised norms include:
| Postal Division | Existing Sub-Divisions | Justified under 1977 Norms | Justified under 2025 Norms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palakkad | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Kannur | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Manjeri | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Tirur | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Thalassery | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Kasargod | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Vadakara | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Ottapalam | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Calicut | 4 | 6 | 7 |
| Kottayam | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| Idukki | 4 | 7 | 9 |
| Alappuzha | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Changanassery | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Aluva | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| Irinjalakuda | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Mavelikkara | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Thrissur | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Ernakulam | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Trivandrum North | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Trivandrum South | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Kollam | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Pathanamthitta | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Tiruvalla | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Total | 75 | 83 | 107 |
The table forms the central workload-based justification for the proposed restructuring.
Idukki, Kottayam, Calicut and Aluva Among Divisions Requiring Major Strengthening
The proposal particularly highlights the need for strengthening several Divisions through additional Sub-Divisions.
Under the revised calculations, Idukki rises from an existing four Sub-Divisions to a justified requirement of nine, while Calicut increases from four to seven. Kottayam and Aluva are each assessed at seven Sub-Divisions against their existing four.
The detailed workload calculation for Idukki shows a revised total workload of 4.76702, resulting in 8.618217 justified Sub-Divisions under the formula used in the annexure.
Similarly, the Calicut calculation records revised workload of 3.98188 and a justified strength of 7.198775 Sub-Divisions.
Kottayam's revised workload is calculated at 3.65655, resulting in 6.610616 justified Sub-Divisions.
Geography and Travel Time Also Important
The Association has stressed that reorganisation should not be based solely on numerical workload.
Kerala presents a combination of highly urbanised areas, densely populated commercial centres, coastal regions, hilly districts, forest areas, tribal settlements and geographically difficult locations. The proposal specifically notes that travel time between offices can be substantial, particularly in districts such as Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Wayanad.
These geographical factors directly affect the ability of Sub-Divisional Heads to supervise delivery offices and Branch Offices, conduct inspections, undertake business development activities and address customer-service issues effectively.
Proposal for Creation, Bifurcation, Merger and Redistribution
The Association has suggested that Kerala Circle should undertake a comprehensive restructuring exercise rather than simply adding Sub-Divisions wherever the numerical calculations indicate a requirement.
The proposed approach includes:
- Creation of new Sub-Divisions where workload is high.
- Bifurcation of large Sub-Divisions to improve administrative control.
- Merger of neighbouring Sub-Divisions where workload is comparatively low.
- Redistribution of offices to achieve a more balanced workload.
- Consideration of geographical continuity and accessibility while redesigning boundaries.
The Association has specifically mentioned Divisions such as Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Aluva and Calicut for strengthening, while also identifying several other Divisions requiring additional Sub-Divisions under the revised assessment.
Expected Benefits of the Reorganisation
According to the proposal, a scientific restructuring based on current workload and operational realities could provide several benefits:
Better distribution of workload: Sub-Divisional Heads would have more manageable administrative jurisdictions.
Improved supervision: A rational span of control would facilitate closer supervision of Post Offices and Branch Offices.
Stronger business development: Officers would have greater capacity to focus on business acquisition and growth initiatives.
Better customer service: Improved administrative coverage could contribute to faster grievance redressal and improved service delivery.
Timely inspections and investigations: Reduced geographical and workload pressure could help officers complete inspections and investigations more effectively.
Future-ready administration: The restructuring would align the field-level organisation with the Department's technology-driven and customer-centric operational environment.
Appeal to Kerala Circle
The Association has requested Kerala Circle to prepare and forward its proposal to the Directorate by adopting the revised SIU Committee norms instead of the outdated 1970s norms.
It has also requested a comprehensive examination of Sub-Divisions through creation, bifurcation, merger or redistribution wherever justified by scientific workload assessment.
Conclusion
The proposal for reorganisation represents an attempt to align the Inspector Posts and Assistant Superintendent of Posts administrative structure with the present-day operational realities of the Department of Posts.
The workload assessment attached to the proposal indicates a requirement of 107 Postal Sub-Divisions under the revised 2025 norms, compared with 75 currently existing Sub-Divisions. The Association has emphasised that the final restructuring should consider not only workload figures but also business potential, geography, accessibility, travel time, inspection requirements and administrative complexity.
Importantly, this is a proposal submitted by the AIASP Kerala Circle and should not be construed as an approved reorganisation order. The document requests Kerala Circle to examine the proposal and forward an appropriate restructuring proposal to the Directorate.
Source: Proposal submitted by the All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents Posts, Kerala Circle, dated 29 July 2026.