Friday, July 31, 2015

­Delhi Administration Stenographers' Welfare Association (Regd.) C/o. DGEWF, Room No. 126, 1st Level, Delhi Secretariat, I.P. Estate, New Delhi-110002. E-mail: gnctdss_daswa@yahoo.com gnctdss.daswa@gmail.com


Note: Please note that DASWA is not functional presently and all the stenographers working under GNCT of Delhi are fighting for their rights under one banner i.e. Government of NCT Employees Welfare Association (R) and all are associated with them only. Just to provide information with regard to Cadre Restructuring of Stenograpehrs, this blog has been used for communication purpose.


BRIEF POINTS ON THE GRIEVANCES OF STENOGRAPHERS OF GNCTD


Respected Sir,

Most respectfully, the grievances of Stenographers’ working under GNCT of Delhi (Employees of GNCT of Delhi) are submitted as under :-

1.       There is acute stagnation in promotions therefore, more posts at Sr. PA level and above be provided to give sufficient avenues of promotions to this cadre at par with CSSS cadre of Government of India by following guidelines of DoPT.  Hence, there is a need of cadre restructuring in the cadreDetailed background note on stagnation and restructuring of stenographers cadre is enclosed for kind perusal.

2.       Promotions to the Stenographers Grade-II to Grade-I / Sr. P.A. are getting delayed as Statutory Rules could not be updated by the Services Department as per guidelines of DoPT vide O.M. No.AB.14017/61/ 2008-Estt.(RR) dated 24.03.2009, which was also endorsed to GNCT of Delhi and moreover circulated by Services Department itself to all other departments for implementation. It has already been represented many times that RRs be amended as per 6th CPC report at the earliest so as to provide due avenues of promotions to Stenographers.

3..      Therefore, it is once again requested that till the amendment in RRs as per DoPT Guidelines takes place, all the vacant posts of Stenographers be filled up at the earliest considering eligibility criteria as per abovementioned DoPT Guidelines including DPC for the post of existing vacant posts of PPS.

4.       Further, it is also once again requested that proposal for requisite amendment in RRs may also incorporate change in nomenclature of posts  of Stenographers cadre in GNCT of Delhi as per CSSS (GOI) pattern (Stenographer, Personal Assistant, Private Secretary).


**************


BACKGROUND NOTE

On stagnation in promotions and Restructuring of Stenographers’ Cadre

STAGNATION IN STENOGRAPHERS’ CADRE:

1.         Stenographers of GNCT of Delhi were earlier covered under Delhi Administration Subordinate Service (DASS) Rules, 1967 and they were provided dual avenues of promotions as there were bleak chances of promotions in their own cadre. On recommendation of UPSC, Services Department of GNCT of Delhi stopped the dual avenues of promotions and further MHA advised for restructuring of Stenographic cadre in GNCT of Delhi with the spirit to provide all the service conditions at par with CSSS.

2.         On various representations of Delhi Administration Stenographers’ Welfare Association, Stenographers Cadre of Delhi Government was restructured in the ratio of 40:40:20 (Grade-III, Grade-II and Grade-I) in accordance with the guidelines of DoPT on the pattern of CSSS Rules and separate GNCT of Delhi Stenographers Service Rules, 2008 were framed and subsequently vide notification dated 21.02.2011, post of PPS was also made available with the approval of UPSC at par with CSSS Rules.

3.         Accordingly, posts in Stenographic cadre were created in the ration of 40:40:20 alongwith 19 PPS posts which is as under :-


Sanctioned
Steno.Gr.-III
464
Steno. Gr.-II
464
Sr. PA/Gr.I
232 (-19)*
Pr. Private Secretary
19*
(*these posts were created by upgrading 19 posts of Gr.-I steno)

PRESENT STRUCTURE OF STENOGRAPHERS’ CADRE IN GNCT OF DELHI:

4.         At present vacancy position in April, 2015 of Stenographers Service in the Govt. of NCT of Delhi in the following four posts are as under:-

Name of Post
Group/ Classification
Scale of Pay
Present sanction Strength
Filled
Vacant
Resrv. for ST
Steno
Gr. III
Group C (Non-Gazetted) / General Central Service (Ministerial)
4000-6000
(Pre-revised)
PB-1 – 5200-20200 + GP 2400
566
143
423
42
Steno
Gr. II
Group B (Non-Gazetted) / General Central Service (Ministerial)
5000-8000
(Pre-revised)
*5500-9000
w.e.f. 01.01.2006
PB-2 – 9300-34800 + GP 4600
499
446
53
37
Sr. PA/
Gr.I
Group B (Gazetted) / General Central Service (Ministerial)
6500-10500
(Pre-revised)
*8000-13000
(On completion of 4 years)
w.e.f. 01.01.2008
PB-2 – 9300-34800 + GP 4800 & PB-3 – 15600-39100 + GP 5400
228
137
91
17



Pr. Private Secretary
Group A
(Gazetted) / General Central Service (Ministerial)
15600-39100
With GP 6600
In PB-3
19
9
10
1

PRESENT POSITION OF STAGNATION IN GNCT OF DELHI :

5.         Firstly, it is quite apparent from the statement given above that the ratio of 40:40:20 of the Grade-I, II and III has got disturbed which was granted to Stenographers’ cadre after delinking from DASS/DANICS Cadre, hence, apparently the stenographic cadre have been deprived of number of posts which were required to be upgraded at the level of Grade-II and Grade-I.

6.         Above statement also shows that a large number of vacancies at Gr-I & Gr-II level are reserved for ST Category and same are lying vacant since there is not even a single candidate of ST Category in the entire Cadre.  These posts may, therefore, be got de-reserved at least for one time so that unreserved incumbents can get benefit of promotion against these reserved vacancies.  In this regard, may like to refer to Chapter-7 of “Brochure on Reservation for SC, ST & Other Backward Classes in Services” of DoPT, GoI (2014) on De-Reservation and guidelines thereof.  In the said chapter the process of de-reservation is laid down.  If these posts reserved for ST Category are to be kept reserved forever, if mandatory, then equal number of posts may be enhanced by creation of posts at every level, i.e. Grade-III, II, I and PPS for specific purpose.

7.         Further, it is pointed out that 1st cadre restructuring for Stenographers’ was done up to the level of Sr. P.A./Gr.-I only in the year 2008, and later on Rules for Pr. Private Secretary were framed and only 19 posts were upgraded. It can be seen that only 19 posts of PPS are insufficient and thus has not appropriately addressed to the magnitude of the stagnation in the Cadre.

8.         At the time of creation of posts of PPS, only 19 posts were created by way of upgradation with the assurance that for the time being 19 posts are being created and later on number of posts of PPS shall be enhanced by relaxing the entitlement criteria of the officers for level of Stenographic assistance as has been done in CSSS but the assurance is yet to be meted out with regard to relaxation of norms and creation of posts of PPS.

9.         It may be pertinent to mention that sufficient number of posts of PPS should be created so that an incumbent may get at least three promotions in his overall service career as per principle of natural justice and as observed by the Apex Court.  As per present structure of cadre most of the present Sr. P.A.s / Grade-I will not get the benefit of third promotion to the post of PPS before they get superannuated.

10.       It is apparent that the Government of NCT of Delhi has adopted pattern of CSSS for restructuring of Stenographers Cadre (upto the level of Sr. P.A./Gr.I only) and framed Service Rules on the same pattern in consultation with MHA, DoPT and UPSC. But, unfortunately at the time of process of framing of abovesaid Service Rules in Delhi Government, service conditions were not the same which are at present and recommendations of 6th Central Pay Commission were not available by that time.

11.       Now, as per recommendations of 6th Central Pay Commission and further DoPT O.M.s and 3rd Cadre Review Report of Committee for CSSS dated 16.04.2015, wherein service conditions by relaxing the entitlement criteria of the officers for level of Stenographic assistance and posts have been created and upgraded.



Revised cadre strength

12.       Status of CSSS Personnel : Proposed Requirement

Sl. No.
Grade of CSSS officers
Present   Sanctioned strength
Ratio in
%age
Proposed sanctioned strength
Ratio in %age
1
2
3
4
5
6
      i)        1
PSO/Sr. PPS
143
13.2%
211
15.3%
     ii)        2
PPS
780
855
    iii)        3
PS
2090
30%
2090
30%
   iv)        4
PA
2627
37.8%
1900
27.3%
    v)        5
Steno  Gr. D
1324
19%
1908
27.4%
   vi)        6
Total
6964

6964


13.       Accordingly, the same ratio of percentage, as applicable in CSSS cadre, posts may be created in the Delhi Govt. steno cadre, which is as under:-


Steno
Gr. III
Steno
Gr. II
Sr. PA/ Gr.I
Pr. Private Secretary
Present Sanctioned Posts
566
499
228
19
Proposal as per Present Sanctioned Ratio in CSSS
Sanctioned posts proposed

249
496
394
173
(includes posts of Sr. PPS/PSO)
OR
Proposal as per Proposed Sanctioned Ratio in CSSS
Sanctioned posts proposed

358
358
395
201
(includes posts of Sr. PPS/PSO)

            Some of the identified posts of senior officers to whom the stenographic assistance of PPS level can be provided (Annexure-A).

14.       Further, it is also pointed out that the cadre of Stenographers’ was restructured (upto the level of Sr.PA only) in the year 2008 and as per guidelines of DoPT after 5 years’ Service Rules can be amended and reviewed. In view of the facts and circumstances mentioned above, restructuring of Stenographers’ cadre in GNCT of Delhi is required to be done in all respects and upto all levels in parity with CSSS.

15.       TRENDS OF PROCESS OF PROMOTIONS:


Promotion Year
Remarks
Steno Gr. III
Incumbents with more than 17 years of service still waiting for even a single promotion to the post of Grade-II.  Last promotion list to the post of Grade-II was issued in the year 2012.
Qualifying service is 5 years for promotion to the post of Grade-II to be modified to 10 years, as per O.M. No. AB.14017/61/2008-Estt.(RR) dated 24.03.2009.



Steno Gr. II
2008 batch, i.e. stenos. With 27 years of service are still waiting for 2nd promotion to the posts of Grade-I, due to non-updation of RRs with respect to reduction in qualifying service as per DoPT guidelines.
Qualifying service is 8 years for promotion to the post of Grade-I to be modified as 2 years, O.M. No. AB.14017/61/2008-Estt.(RR) dated 24.03.2009.
Steno. Gr.-I
After 2011 no promotion was given to this category of post.
Qualifying service is 8 years for promotion to the post of PPS to be modified as 6 years, O.M. No. AB.14017/61/2008-Estt.(RR) dated 24.03.2009.

16.       COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF QUALIFYING SERVICE FOR PROMOTION:

            The hierarchy of Central Secretariat and Delhi Government with respect to Stenographers is explained below in a tabular form:


Steno Grade ‘D’
Steno Grade ‘C’
Private Secretary
Pr. Private Secretary
Sr. PPS
Pr. Staff Officer (PSO)
Classification and Pay Scales of CSSS
Group C (Non-Gazetted)/ General Central Service (Ministerial)

5200-20200 with GP 2400 in PB-1
Group B (Non-Gazetted)/ General Central Service (Ministerial)

9300-34800 with GP 4600 in PB-2
Group B (Gazetted)/ General Central Service (Ministerial)


9300-34800 with GP 4800 in PB-2*

*15600-39100 with GP 5400 in PB-3
(On completion of 4 years)
Group A (Gazetted)/ General Central Service (Ministerial)


15600-39100 with GP 6600
in PB-3
Group A (Gazetted)/ General Central Service (Ministerial)


15600-39100 with GP 7600
in PB-3
Group A (Gazetted)/ General Central Service (Ministerial)


37400-65000 with GP 8700 in PB-4
Classification and Pay Scales in GNCT of Delhi
Similar
(except nomencla-ture)
Similar
(except nomencla-ture)
Similar
(except nomencla-ture)
Similar
This post not available in the GNCT of Delhi
This post not available in the GNCT of Delhi
Entitlement of officers in CSSS
Desk Officer/ Section Officers
Under Secretary & Equivalent in Ministries/ Deptts.
Director/ Dy. Secy. & Equivalent in Ministries/ Deptt.
Jt. Secy. & Equivalent
Addl. Secy. & Equivalent Rank
Secy./ Spl. Secy. & Equivalent rank
Entitlement of officers in GNCT of Delhi


Secy. & Addl. Secy.
Pr. Secy. & above
----
----

17.       Above statement clearly shows that there is requirement of restructuring of Stenographers Cadre in GNCT of Delhi for keeping them at par with CSSS in all respect including similar nomenclatures of posts of Stenographers’ Cadre in GNCT of Delhi.

18.       It is pertinent to mention that mode of recruitment is same as for CSSS i.e. All India Competitive Examination with similar eligibility criteria and presently all the Stenographers Grade-II and above working in GNCT of Delhi have been recruited through Staff Selection Commission prior to Delhi Subordinate Service Selection Board.

19.       Nomenclature of posts in respect of Stenographic Cadre are also not changed since a very long time and are required to be updated as per DoPT guidelines and recent 3rd cadre review report of committee for CSSS dated 16.04.2015.

20.       Duties of all the categories have also been at par with CSSS. 

21.       Salient features of report of 3rd Cadre Review Committee of CSSS dated 16.04.2015 for ready reference.

            3rd Cadre Review Committee of CSSS:- After due research, by expert panel of 3rd Cadre Review Committee for CSSS, following research based analysis has come out with the observations that

“Specific mandate to review the structure of the CSSS so as to harmonize the functional needs with the legitimate career expectations of its members and to suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of the Service.

We should approach the issue in a holistic manner and arrived at its recommendations keeping the larger public interest in view with the hope that the suggested measures would enhance the effectiveness of the Service and usher in better cadre management of the Central Secretariat Stenographers' Service in future.

The Committee was of considered view that the cadre structure of CSSS should be such as to enable it to attract best talent in the service and provides the members of the service with excellent possible career advancement opportunities which, in turn, encourages competence and innovation, ensures capacity building at all level and makes the service more efficient, effective and responsive.”

The specific reference points are reproduced as under :-

Chapter-2 : Structure of the Service

6.         Over the last decade, there has been a sea-change in the work environment in Central Ministries / Departments due to IT innovations.  This has resulted in increase in efficiency and speed in performance of duties, including those by the CSSS personnel also.

7.         With increased working on computers, demand for stenographic skill in work places has declined resulting in decline in supply of skilled persons due to many training institutions closing down.  This trend is likely to continue.

8.         The restructuring exercise of CSSS should look at the structure of the service which would be sustainable in the long term keeping in view the functional aspects, reporting hierarchy and reasonable career opportunities.  For sustainable cadre structure of CSSS, there is a need to:-

                      i)        Increase the recruitment at Steno Grade D level.
                     ii)        Decrease the number of posts at PA level.
                    iii)        Introduce additional promotional avenues to meritorious officials.
                   iv)        Increase the number of posts at PPS and Sr. PPS level.

9.         Keeping the above requirements in perspective, the Committee feels that there is a need to increase the number of posts at Steno Grade ‘D’ levels this is the only feeder cadre of CSSS.  It may be mentioned that the concept of e-Office has been introduced in the Central Secretariat.  This is likely to reduce dependence on personal staff for stenographic assistance in future.  This would also necessitate a change in the organization and staffing in future.  However, the recruitment at Steno Grade ‘D’ level needs to continue till the Executive Assistant Scheme, which is under reference to the 7th Pay Commission, is finalized.  It is further suggested that the recruitment of the increased posts may be phased out in 2 years to avoid bunching which may adversely affect the promotional opportunities for the new recruits.

13.       With a view to enlarge the job profile and ensuring multi skilling of CSSS officials, Stenographers Grade ‘D’ be also posted in sections.  This would provide them the requisite experience which would help them in case they qualify the Assistant grade LDCE.

Chapter-3 : The way forward:-

Keeping the existing scenario in view, the Committee has examined the following possible routes to ensure a better cadre structure which would increase the available manpower at the Central Secretariat for efficient, effective and responsive governance.

I.          Entitlement norms:

The Committee during its interaction with Associations and representatives of the Ministries found that the actual staff posted at senior level was much beyond the norms laid down vide OM dated 28th October, 2005.  The Committee has examined this issue and has proposed revised norms for various levels in the Central Government. These revised norms are placed at Annexure –V of the report, which is as under :-

Status of CSSS Personnel: Proposed Requirement

S. No.
Category of officers
Existing entitlement
Proposed entitlement
1
Secretary/Spy. Secretary & Equivalent rank
PSO / Sr. PPS – 1

PA -1
PSO / Sr. PPS -1
PPS -1
PS -1
PA -1
2
Addl. Secretary & Equivalent Rank
PSO / Sr. PPS -1

PA -1
PSO / Sr. PPS -1
PPS -1
PA -1
3
Joint Secretary & Equivalent
PPS / PS -1
PPS -1
PS -1
Steno Gr. D -1
4
Director / Dy. Secy. & Equivalent in Ministries/ Department
PS -1
PS -1
5
In other participating/ attached offices of CSSS
PA -1
PS -1
6
Under Secretary & Equivalent in Ministries/ Departments
PA -1
PS / Steno Gr. D -1
7
Under Secretary in other participating / attached offices of CSSS
PA / Steno Gr. D -1
PA / Steno Gr. D -1
8
Desk Officer / Section Officers
Steno Gr. D -1
Steno Gr. D -1

V.         Increasing the number of posts at PPS level:

Presently the sanctioned strength of PPS is 780.  As per the entitlement proposed by the Committee Secretary/Special Secretary/Addl. Secretary and Joint Secretary and equivalent in the Government of India are entitled for PPS.  Considering the functional requirement, 75 posts are proposed to be increased in this grade and thereby increasing the sanctioned strength to 855.  This will also address the issue of stagnation in the feeder grade.

VI.        Increasing the number of posts at Sr. PPS level:

Presently the sanctioned strength of Sr. PPS is 143 out of which 15% of the total posts of Sr. PPS and PPS can be operated at PSO level.  As per the entitlement proposed by the Committee Secretary/Special Secretary/Addl. Secretary and equivalent in the Government of India are entitled for a Sr. PPS/PSO.  Therefore, 68 posts are proposed to be increased in this grade keeping in view the functional requirement in the Central Government. This will also address the issue of stagnation in the PPS grade.  With the staid increase the sanctioned strength of Sr.PPS will be 211.

The existing provision of operating of 15% of the total posts of Sr. PPS and PPS at PSO level shall continue.

VIII       Additional promotional opportunity for Steno Grade D:

Presently, the CSSS officials can avail of the opportunity of entry into CSS at SO level through SO/PS grade LDCE conducted by UPSC.  There is a need to increase the promotional avenues for deserving CSSS officials.  An opening in this regard may be provided at Assistant level of CSS through LDCE mode.  As per the existing recruitment rules 10% of the vacancies in Assistant grade of CSS are filled through eligible officials from CSCS.  This percentage is likely to increase in the light of the recommendations of CSS Cadre Review Committee.  Stenographers Grade ‘D’, who are graduates, with 6 years of approved service may also be permitted to appear, along with UDCs of CSCS, at the LDCE for entry into Assistant grade of CSS.

XI.        Reserve in CSSS

Presently there is a provision of deputation reserve of 20%, leave reserve of 3% and training reserve of 1% of the sanctioned strength of Principal Private Secretary and above in the CSSS Rules, 2010.

Provision of Reserves as provided in CSSS Rules has, however, never been operated so far perhaps for the reason that no methodology has been in place.  As in other services, Reserve is to be operated in the entry grade.  In the case of, CSSS too, assessment of actual need for reserves and reporting of vacancies at the lowest level or Steno Grade ‘D’ should be done in advance.  The Committee has accordingly deliberated the issue with reference to guidelines of CRD of DoPT.  The OM dated 11.2.2013 of CRD, DoPT lays down the revised norms for reserves in the organized Group ‘A’ services as under:-

                     i)        Training Reserve                     -           Not exceeding 1.5% of SDP
                    ii)        Leave Reserve                        -           Not exceeding 1.5% of SDP
                   iii)        Deputation Reserve                -           Not exceeding 5% of SDP
                   iv)        Probationary Reserve equal to the period of probation (x) DR batch size.

The CRD guidelines on probationary reserve may not be applicable in the case of CSSS as the duration of training of DR Stenographers Grade ‘D’ is only for a period of 6 weeks compared to 1-2 years in Group ‘A’ services.  Therefore, reserves in CSSS should operate against long leave and deputations only.  In parity with the provisions under CSS Rules, the Committee recommends that a reserve of 8% of the revised cadre strength of PA and above levels in CSSS should be operated at Stenographers Grade ‘D’ to meet the shortfall and Requirement of manpower across Ministries/Departments.  Other than Stenographers Grade ‘D’, reserves in CSSS should not be maintained in any other grade.  CSSS Rules, 2010 should accordingly be amended.

XII.       Revised cadre strength

Status of CSSS Personnel : Proposed Requirement

Sl. No.
Grade of CSSS officers
Present   Sanctioned strength
Proposed
1
PSO/Sr. PPS
143
211
2
PPS
780
855
3
PS
2090
2090
4
PA
2627
1900
5
Steno  Gr. D
1324
1908
6
Total
6964
6964

XIV.     Residency Period

The CSSS Rules, 2010 provide for a residency period or qualifying service in a grade as an eligibility criterion for promotion to the next grade.  The residency period is specified for each grade and is computed on the basis of approved service rendered in the feeder grade.  Residency requirements for promotion from one grade to the next higher grade are as under:-

From
To
Mode of Recruitment
Residency period for promotion
Senior Principal Private Secretary (Sr. PPS)
Principal Staff Officer (PSO) NFSG Grade
Promotion
5 years of approved service in Sr. PPS grade.
Or
10 years combined regular service in PPS and Sr. PPS grade out of which 3 years in Sr. PPS grade.
(The  proposal   for  amending  the RRs for providing   10 years combined approved service with three years regular  service at Sr.PPS level   is under  process)

Principal Private Secretary (PPS)
Senior Principal Private Secretary
Promotion
5 years of approved service in PPS Grade
Private Secretary (PS)
Principal Private Secretary
Promotion
6 years of approved service in PS grade
Personal Assistant (PA)
Private Secretary
Promotion-SQ
5 years of approved service in PA grade
LDCE
3 years of approved service in PA grade
Stenographer Grade ‘D’
Personal Assistant
Promotion-SQ
10 years of approved service in Steno Grade D
LDCE
6 years of approved service in Steno Grade D
Stenographer Grade ‘D’

Direct Recruitment



PRAYER:-

22.       Keeping In view the justification, substantial facts and figures mentioned above it is prayed that Stenographers’ Cadre in GNCT of Delhi be restructured accordingly.


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