The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), has released an official memorandum (OM) outlining the process for recognizing service associations within the Central Secretariat. This development affects employees belonging to the Central Secretariat Service (CSS), Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS), and Central Secretariat Stenographers Service (CSSS). The initiative is intended to strengthen employee representation and advocacy for their rights and interests.
Four Key Service Associations Identified for Verification
The DoPT has identified four prominent service associations for further verification towards recognition, which will enhance their role in representing Central Secretariat employees. These associations include:
- Central Secretariat Employees Association
- Central Secretariat Group B Officers Union
- Central Secretariat (NG) Employees Union
- Central Secretariat Group C Employees Association
Once these associations are officially recognized, they will play a vital role in addressing employee concerns and advocating for better working conditions and policies.
Verification Process Under the Central Civil Services Rules
The recognition of service associations follows the guidelines set under the Central Civil Services (Recognition of Service Associations) Rules, 1993. According to Rule 7, the Check-off system is employed for verifying memberships. Under this system, employees wishing to join a recognized association must provide written consent to their Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) for deducting an annual membership subscription directly from their salary.
Upon receiving the consent, the DDO processes the payroll deduction and confirms the membership, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Instructions for Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs)
To facilitate the smooth implementation of the recognition process, the DoPT has issued specific instructions for all DDOs across ministries and departments:
- The annual membership fee must be deducted once during the financial year, not on a monthly basis.
- Employees are allowed to be members of only one association to avoid multiple deductions.
- DDOs are required to submit detailed membership information for each association using a prescribed format, ensuring accurate documentation and transparency.
Deadlines and Compliance for Payroll Deductions
The OM specifies that the annual membership deductions must be carried out in November 2024. DDOs are tasked with preparing the membership details in the designated format for each job designation, which must be submitted promptly to the DoPT for compliance checks.
Government Approval for Service Associations
The verification of the four service associations has been initiated with the approval of the competent authorities. This step marks significant progress toward fostering structured employee representation in the Central Secretariat. The recognized associations are expected to operate with transparency and integrity, ensuring that employee rights are upheld.
Key Contacts for Further Assistance
For more information, DDOs and employees can contact the respective association representatives:
- Shri Rabindra Kumar Jha, General Secretary, Central Secretariat Employees Association
- Shri Pushpa Kedia, President, Central Secretariat Group B Officers Union
- Shri Om Veer Singh Bhati, President, Central Secretariat (NG) Employees Union
- Shri Sarvoday Kumar, President, Central Secretariat Group C Employees Association
Key Highlights of the Recognition Process
- Annual Membership Fee Deduction: To be conducted in November 2024.
- Single Membership Rule: Employees can only hold membership in one association.
- Check-off System: A transparent system for membership verification and payroll deductions.
This move is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring the voices of Central Secretariat employees are heard and their concerns addressed through a formal, recognized framework.
