DOPT clarifies the term ‘Year of availability’ in Seniority Issue

It is clarified by DOPT that the term ‘Year of Availability’ for the purpose of relative seniority of direct recruits/ promotees would be same as prescribed in the model calendar for DPC

F.No.20011/1/2006-Estt. (D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel as Training)

North Block, New Delhi Dated the 3^rd April, 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Consolidated instructions on seniority contained in DOP&T’s O.M. No. 22011/7/ 1986-Estt. (D) dated 03.07.1986-Clarification regarding.

     The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s consolidated instructions contained in O.M. No. 22011/ 1/2008-Estt. (D) dated 11.11.2010  laying down the principles on determination of seniority of persons appointed to services/posts under the Central Government and to state that a large number of references have been received seeking clarifications on ‘year of availability’ in fixation of relative seniority of promotees and direct recruit officers who had joined service in the different calendar year but in the same financial year.

2.    The issue has been examined in consultation with UPSC. The model calendar (time schedule) for DPCs as contained in this Department’s O.M. No. 22011/9/98-Estt. (D) dated 8^th September, 1998 suggests time-frame for conducting/completing formalities for DPC meeting/promotions. As per this 0.M., Ministries/Departments that are following financial year i.e. 1st April to 31st March of next year for completion of confidential reports (now APARs) should get the select panel approved for the next financial year by 31st March of the previous financial year. Similarly, those Ministries/Departments, which follow calendar year for completion of confidential report (now APARs) i.e., 1st January to 31st December, should get the select panel approved by 31st December of the preceding Calendar Year.

3. It is hereby clarified that the year of availability for the purpose of relative seniority of direct recruits/promotees would be same as prescribed in the model calendar for DPCs i.e.

(i) 1st April to 31^st March of the next year where confidential reports (now APARs) are completed financial year-wise.

(ii) 1st January to 31st December where confidential reports (now APARs) are completed calendar year-wise.

Read Office Memorandum F.No.20011/1/2006-Estt. (D) dated 03.04.2012