SBCO merger: Last date, clarification, modalities!

Merger of PA (SBCO) cadre and PA (PFO) cadre into PA PO cadre-

The Postal Directorate has decided to merge SBCO (Saving Bank Control Organization) cadre into Postal Assistant (Post Office) cadre w.e.f. 01.01.2023. A letter in this regard has been issued

via no. Q-25/11/2022-PE-I-DOP dated 16.11.2022 as per which the competent authority has approved to merge the PA (SBCO) and PA (FPO) with PA (PO) with effect from 01.01.2023. 

Last date to submit application to switch over was extended via Postal Directorate letter no. Q-25/11/2022-PE-I-DOP dated 23.12.2022 as per which the officials may give application till 31.01.2023 to the Head of the Circle.

Major aspect of these orders are as under-

• PA (SBCO) will be a dying cadre which means there will be no further recruitment in PA (SBCO) cadre w.e.f. 01.01.2023.

• Existing incumbents of PA (SBCO) cadre have two options now

        (i) stay in PA (SBCO) cadre till retirement or next promotion and 

        (ii) switch over to PA (PO) cadre.

• Those who choose to switch over to PA (PO) cadre will not be allowed to revert back to PA (SBCO) cadre in future which means this is a one way choice.

• Willing officials will be merged into their parent Division i.e. Division in which the office is geographically located. However, they have option to switch over into other Division on availability of vacant post. PA (SBCO) may give option for five Division including parent Division in this case.

• PA (SBCO) working at ICO (SB) will be merged into Postal Division where ICO (SB) is geographically located. However, they may give preference for 5 Divisions, which shall invariably include the Postal Division covering the geographical area where CO/RO is located. 
  

• Posting of officials in SBCO shall be finalized by the concerned Divisional Head.

• Seniority: Such officials who switch over to PA (PO) cadre shall be placed en bloc below all those officials of PA (PO)'s gradation list of the Circle as on 31.12.2022.
  

• Last date to submit application to switch over from PA (SBCO) to PA (PO) is 31.01.2023, however, cut off date for merger shall remain the same i.e. 01.01.2023.

• Application to be submitted in the name of Head of the Circle (the CPMG).

• PA (CO/RO) shall remain a separate cadre.

Pro and Cons of merger of SBCO- click here