AIAIPASP Tamil Nadu Seeks Protection of 1,091 PSS Group ‘B’ Posts, Opposes Proposed Reduction of 145 Posts
Tamil Nadu Circle Seeks Protection of 1,091 PSS Group ‘B’ Posts
The All India Association of Inspectors & Assistant Superintendents of Posts (AIAIPASP), Tamil Nadu Circle has urged its Central Headquarters to take up the issue of the proposed reduction in the sanctioned strength of PSS Group ‘B’ posts, citing its adverse impact on the promotional avenues of Inspectors of Posts.
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In a representation dated 15 September 2026, addressed to the General Secretary of AIAIPASP CHQ, the Tamil Nadu Circle Association raised concerns over the proposal for restructuring of Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ cadres/posts.
Reduction of 145 PSS Group ‘B’ Posts
The Association has specifically pointed out that the proposal seeks to reduce the sanctioned strength of PSS Group ‘B’ posts from 1,091 to 946, resulting in a reduction of 145 posts. At the same time, the proposal envisages an increase in the number of JTS Group ‘A’ posts.
According to the representation, PSS Group ‘B’ posts constitute an important promotional avenue for Inspectors of Posts through the PSS Group ‘B’ LDCE. The Association has therefore questioned whether such a substantial reduction is justified and in the larger interest of the cadre.
Earlier Increase in PSS Group ‘B’ Strength
The Association recalled that the sanctioned strength of PSS Group ‘B’ was earlier 866 posts, which was subsequently enhanced to 1,091 posts, reportedly by utilising matching savings involving ASP (HQ) and ASP (NSH) posts.
The Association stated that it had not objected to the earlier arrangement because the increase in PSS Group ‘B’ posts provided greater promotional opportunities to eligible Inspectors of Posts aspiring for promotion through the LDCE route.
Concern Over Career Progression of Inspectors
The representation also highlights that the regular promotional avenue from IP to ASP has already been adversely affected due to the abolition/reduction of ASP posts under matching savings, resulting in considerable delays in regular promotion.
In such circumstances, the Association apprehends that a further reduction of 145 PSS Group ‘B’ posts would substantially curtail the promotional opportunities available to Inspectors through the LDCE route. This, according to the Association, could have a serious impact on the career progression of a large number of eligible Inspectors of Posts.
Appeal to Protect Existing Strength
The Tamil Nadu Circle has requested its Central Headquarters to examine the issue in detail and place it before the appropriate forum/competent authority. It has particularly sought examination of the justification for reducing 145 PSS Group ‘B’ posts in relation to the career prospects and promotional avenues of the existing IP cadre.
The Association has urged that efforts be made to protect the existing sanctioned strength of 1,091 PSS Group ‘B’ posts.
Importantly, the Association clarified that its representation is not intended to oppose the restructuring as a whole, but is aimed at ensuring that the existing promotional avenue through PSS Group ‘B’ LDCE is not unnecessarily curtailed.
The issue is therefore expected to be taken up by the Central Headquarters with the competent authorities in the interest of protecting the promotional prospects of Inspectors of Posts.