Am I Eligible for an Annual Increment After Switching to a Higher Pay Grade?

Earlier, I worked as a UDC in PB-1 with a Grade Pay of 2400/-. Now, I have been appointed to the position of Personal Assistant in another department in PB-2 with a Grade Pay of 4600/-. I have submitted my technical resignation and joined the new department. When my pay was fixed, it was done at the minimum, i.e., 12540/- plus GP 4600/-. Since I joined a higher position on 13.03.2014, there is no question of pay protection. However, my date for the next annual increment was mistakenly set for 01.07.2015 instead of 01.07.2014. My past service has been counted in the new department.

DoPT Guidelines on Technical Resignation

Recently, the DoPT, in letter No. 28020/1/2010-Estt.(C) dated 17.08.2016, clearly stated in para 2.4 of the consolidated guidelines on technical resignation the following:

Pay Protection and Eligibility of Past Service for Annual Increment

In cases where a Government servant is appointed to another post in the Government upon accepting technical resignation, pay protection is provided as per Ministry of Finance OM No. 3379-E.III (B)/65 dated 17th June 1965, in conjunction with the proviso to FR 22-B. Therefore, if the pay in the new post is lower than the substantive pay held, the presumptive pay will be of the substantive pay as defined in FR-9(24).

The past service of such a Government servant is considered for calculating the minimum period for granting an annual increment in the new post/service/cadre under the provisions of FR 26, as per Rule 10 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2016. If the Government servant rejoins their previous post, they are entitled to increments for the period of absence from that post.

Considering the above, I would like to inquire whether I am eligible for the annual increment as of 01.07.2014. The DoPT letter referenced above clearly states that the past service of a government servant is factored in for determining the minimum period for granting an annual increment in the new post.

Kindly assist me with this matter so that I can present it to my office.

Thank you.

Based on the guidelines provided by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in the letter dated 17.08.2016, it is evident that in cases of technical resignation and subsequent appointment to a new position within the government, past service is considered for determining the minimum period for granting an annual increment in the new post. As per the guidelines, pay protection is provided when the pay in the new post is lower than the substantive pay held in the previous position.

In your case, where you have moved from a lower position (UDC) to a higher position (Personal Assistant) with a higher Grade Pay, and your past service has been counted in the new department, you should be eligible for the annual increment as of 01.07.2014. This is in line with the rules outlined in the DoPT letter and the relevant provisions of the Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016.

It is recommended that you bring this matter to the attention of your office, citing the specific guidelines mentioned in the DoPT letter and requesting the necessary adjustments to ensure that you receive the annual increment from the correct date. This should be done in a formal and documented manner to ensure clarity and transparency in the process.

If you encounter any resistance or challenges in this regard, you may consider seeking further clarification from the HR or administrative department of your organization, or consulting with relevant employee unions or associations for additional support and guidance.

Overall, based on the information provided and the established guidelines, you appear to meet the eligibility criteria for the annual increment as of 01.07.2014, considering your past service and the nature of your transition to the new position.