Original Query - In case of departmental promotion, whether panel rank or joining date is taken into consideration for promotion ? (Mr. B. Dey, Ministry of Forest & Environment)
Reply – Departmental promotions can be given on two separate basis – selection method (through written test and/or personal interview and/or any other means) or based on seniority in the lower cadre subject to the rejection of the unfit employees. In case of selection method of promotion, seniority of the employees are not taken into account. In case of other method, basis of seniority of the employees for promotion is determined as per the DOPT OM No. 22011/7/86-Esst(D), dated 03/07/1986, which, inter alia, stipulates that the relative seniority of direct recruits is determined by the order of merit in which they are selected for such appointment and not as per their date of joining in the post. This basis is also applicable where promotions are made on the basis of selection by a DPC, i.e. the seniority of such promotees shall be in the order in which they are recommended for promotion (i.e. panel rank). However, where promotions are made purely on the basis of seniority, subject to the rejection of the unfit employees, the seniority of employees considered for promotion at the same time shall be the same as their relative seniority in the lower grade/post from which they are promoted.