Recent Changes in Pay Fixation Issues

The matter of pay fixation for ex-combatant clerks reemployed in the clerical cadre across various departments and ministries has been a topic of both interest and confusion among the ex-servicemen (ESM) community. Although the provision for pay fixation remains in force, it is important to understand its true impact, associated clarifications, and the current status as issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DOP&T).

Background

When ex-servicemen, particularly those who served as clerks (Havildar Clerks and others) in the Armed Forces, are reemployed in civilian posts like clerical roles, they are entitled to a pay fixation benefit. This is based on para 16 of DOP&T’s OM dated 31.07.1986. According to the guidelines:

Reemployed ex-combatant clerks in clerical posts are allowed one additional increment for each year of service rendered in the Armed Forces.
However, the entire pension equivalent amount is deducted (less a small token ignorable part of Rs. 15) from the pay thus fixed.

In simple terms, even after the pay is notionally fixed at a higher amount by granting additional increments, the pension amount is almost entirely subtracted, resulting in little or no net benefit to the individual.

This system is still in practice today, and continues to cause confusion and dissatisfaction among many ex-servicemen.

Confusion Regarding Postal Assistants (PAs) in India Post

One major point of confusion was whether a Postal Assistant (PA) in India Post would be considered under the “clerical cadre” for the purpose of pay fixation.

In clarification, DOP&T had issued valuable comments stating that reemployed ex-combatant clerks joining as Postal Assistants could avail of the pay fixation benefit since this post evolved from the LDC cadre, as submitted by Postal directorate and afterall permissible as per the original guidelines mentioned in para 16 of their OM dt 31.07.1986.

However, over time, misinterpretations emerged.

Common Misunderstandings by Ex-Servicemen

Everyone reemployed as a PA is eligible:
Many assumed that all reemployed ex-servicemen in the PA cadre were automatically eligible for pay fixation benefits under para 16 of DOP&T’s OM dated 31.07.1986, regardless of their earlier trade or clerical background. This is incorrect. Only those with a clerical background (i.e., ex-combatant clerks) were eligible under the original provision.
Pension deduction does not apply:
Some ex-servicemen mistakenly believed that pension would not be deducted while applying pay fixation, citing Office Memoranda (OMs) of 1983, 2022, and 2023.
Fact: These OMs do not apply to the 31.07.1986 DOP&T order on ex-combatant clerks’ pay fixation. Pension deduction continues to apply under the 1986 rules.

Current Status

Recognizing the widespread confusion and misinterpretation, DOP&T has recently clarified the situation:

Ex-combatant clerks reemployed as Postal Assistants will no longer be treated as reemployed in clerical posts for the purpose of pay fixation benefits under para 16 of the 1986 OM, until further orders.

Thus, as of now, the special pay fixation benefit does not apply to reemployed ex-combatant clerks joining as Postal Assistants, unless a new clarification or order is issued by DOP&T.

Personal Experience and Advice

Drawing from my own experience:

I served as a Havildar Clerk in the Corps of Signals and was later reemployed in the Audit and Accounts Department of the Ministry of Communications (Postal Accounts Wing) in the year 2013.
Upon analyzing the pay fixation option, I chose not to opt for it because the net impact on my salary was negative after pension deductions.
The additional increments offered under pay fixation were overshadowed by the significant deduction of pension amounts, leading to no real monetary benefit.

My sincere advice to all ESM:

Do not chase this order unnecessarily.
The pay fixation system has existed unchanged since 1986 and does not provide any real financial advantage under current rules.
Focus instead on the uniform pay fixation method as demanded and draft formulated by DOP&T and waiting for approval of Dept of Expenditure. Be united with AIREXSA for fight for your Rights.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances of pay fixation for reemployed ex-combatant clerks is crucial. The system, while seemingly beneficial at first glance, often does not lead to higher take-home pay due to pension deductions. After a long 39 years still the ignorable part for Ex combatant clerk is Rs 15/- whereas for officers this amount has been revised to 15,000/-.
Given the latest clarification by DOP&T, ex-servicemen should make informed decisions regarding their employment benefits rather than relying on widespread but incorrect interpretations.

For any major changes, we must await fresh government orders or policies specifically designed to truly benefit the ESM community.

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