NUPE Pushes for Pay Level 7 and Improved Career Progression for Postmen
NUPE Proposes Major Restructuring of Postman Cadre: Four-Grade Promotional Hierarchy with Higher Pay Levels
The National Union of Postal Employees (NUPE), Postmen & MTS Group-C, has submitted a detailed representation to the Committee on Cadre Restructuring of the Postman and Mail Guard cadres, seeking a comprehensive restructuring of the Postman cadre with a clearly defined promotional hierarchy, improved pay levels and recognition of higher responsibilities performed by experienced Postman officials.
DownloadProgression for Postmen
The representation, submitted by Shri Nisar Mujawar, General Secretary, NUPE (Postmen & MTS Group-C), to Shri Nirmal Singh, DDG (VP) and Chairman of the Cadre Restructuring Committee, highlights the long-standing grievances of the Postman cadre and proposes a structured promotional mechanism covering the entire cadre.
Existing Pay Anomaly in the Postman Cadre
One of the major concerns highlighted by the Union is that the entire sanctioned strength of 59,909 Postman cadre posts continues to remain in the same Grade Pay of Rs. 2,000 under the 6th CPC structure and Pay Level 3 under the 7th CPC.
The Union points out that there is no pay differentiation between a newly recruited Postman and senior officials performing specialised sorting, supervisory, cash conveyance, field inspection and other important responsibilities.
Even officials working as Head Postmen, Cash Overseers, Mail Overseers, Overseer Postmen and Caretakers continue to remain in the same pay level despite their additional responsibilities and years of experience.
According to the representation, this creates a significant disparity between functional responsibilities and financial progression within the cadre.
Four-Grade Promotional Structure Proposed
To address this anomaly, NUPE has proposed a four-grade promotional structure above the entry grade, with a systematic promotion ladder and corresponding pay upgradation.
The proposed structure is as follows:
| Grade | Designation | Proposed Grade Pay | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Postman / DSV | Rs. 2,000* | Level 3 |
| Grade I | Sorting Postman | Rs. 2,400 | Level 4 |
| Grade II | Head Postman / Cash Overseer / Mail Overseer | Rs. 2,800 | Level 5 |
| Grade III | Overseer Postman | Rs. 4,200 | Level 6 |
| Grade IV | Caretaker / Public Relations Postman | Rs. 4,600 | Level 7 |
The Union has proposed that the entry-grade pay be upgraded from Level 3 to Level 4 through a recommendation to the 8th Central Pay Commission.
Promotion Based on Seniority and Fitness
The Union has proposed a linear promotional channel without requiring competitive examinations at any stage.
The eligibility criteria proposed are:
- Entry Grade to Grade I: After 7 years of regular service.
- Grade I to Grade II: After 5 years of regular service in Grade I.
- Grade II to Grade III: After 4 years of regular service in Grade II.
- Grade III to Grade IV: After 2 years of regular service in Grade III.
All promotions are proposed to be made through Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) on a seniority-cum-fitness basis.
Recognition of Sorting Postmen
The proposal seeks to recognise Sorting Postman as a specialised promotional grade carrying Grade Pay of Rs. 2,400 and Pay Level 4.
Unlike routine PIN-code sorting, Sorting Postmen perform detailed beat-wise sorting by reading complete addresses, identifying individual delivery beats, correcting misdirected articles and handling mail agency operations.
The Union has also highlighted the additional responsibility of cash conveyance assigned to a significant number of Sorting Postmen and seeks appropriate recognition of these specialised duties.
Higher Pay for Head Postmen and Overseer Functions
The proposed Grade II carries Grade Pay of Rs. 2,800 and Pay Level 5, covering Head Postmen, Cash Overseers and Mail Overseers.
The representation emphasises that Head Postmen undertake supervisory responsibilities over delivery operations, accountable articles, money order payments and delivery performance.
Cash Overseers handle substantial cash remittances between post offices, treasuries and banks, involving significant financial accountability and security responsibilities.
Similarly, Mail Overseers perform field inspection duties, including inspection of 20 or more Branch Offices and Sub Offices per month, verification of cash balances and investigation of irregularities.
The Union argues that these responsibilities deserve appropriate pay recognition.
Overseer Postman as a Senior Supervisory Grade
The proposal introduces Grade III for Overseer Postmen with Grade Pay of Rs. 4,200 and Pay Level 6.
This grade is intended to recognise experienced officials performing field supervision, delivery verification, inspection, vigilance-related functions and reporting responsibilities.
The proposed promotion would be available after four years of regular service in Grade II.
New Apex Grade – Public Relations Postman
One of the notable features of the proposal is the creation of a new Grade IV at Grade Pay Rs. 4,600 and Pay Level 7.
This grade would comprise two designations:
- Caretaker.
- Public Relations Postman (PR Postman).
Where a separate Caretaker post is not operationally feasible due to the absence of suitable departmental buildings, vehicles or equipment requiring custodial supervision, the Union proposes that the position be utilised as a Public Relations Postman.
The PR Postman would function as an assistant to the Public Relations Inspector of Posts (PRIP), undertaking beat supervision, public grievance management, verification of TA, CEA and medical reimbursement claims, KVIC beneficiary verification and UTI/Mutual Fund KYC verification.
This proposal seeks to create a senior-level functional role for experienced Postman officials while strengthening public relations and field-level verification activities.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities to Be Recognised
The representation also highlights the expansion of Postman responsibilities over the years, particularly following the introduction of digital and financial services.
These include:
- India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) services and AePS transactions.
- Doorstep banking and insurance services.
- Aadhaar-related services and Digital Life Certificates.
- Delivery of government welfare benefits under DBT and other schemes.
- E-commerce parcel delivery and reverse logistics.
- Digital data collection and public service facilitation.
The Union has sought formal revision of the Postman job description in the Postal Manual to incorporate these additional responsibilities.
Other Important Demands
Apart from the proposed restructuring, NUPE has placed several additional demands before the Committee:
- Adoption of the proposed four-grade promotional structure.
- Appropriate Grade Pay and Pay Level for each promotional grade.
- Upgradation of the entry-grade Postman cadre from Pay Level 3 to Pay Level 4, effective from 01.01.2026, through a recommendation to the 8th CPC.
- Introduction of a linear promotion channel based on seniority-cum-fitness without competitive examinations.
- Formal recognition of additional duties assigned to Postmen since 2008.
- Filling up all vacant Postman cadre posts across Circles within six months.
Conclusion
The NUPE representation seeks to address a long-standing concern of the Postman cadre: the absence of adequate financial progression despite increasing operational, supervisory and financial responsibilities.
The proposed restructuring aims to establish a transparent promotional hierarchy, provide appropriate pay differentiation and create better career advancement opportunities for Postman officials.
The proposal is now placed before the Cadre Restructuring Committee for consideration. Its acceptance would represent a significant change in the career progression framework of the Postman cadre and could provide long-awaited recognition to thousands of officials serving across the postal network.
It is important to note that these are proposals submitted by NUPE and not an approved restructuring order of the Department of Posts. The final decision rests with the competent authorities.