Navigating Deputation: Should a Candidate Accept Lower Pay or Negotiate Higher?

Appointment on Deputation in an Autonomous Body

For an appointment on deputation in an autonomous body following all Central Government rules, an advertisement was published for filling in GP Rs. 6600. Accordingly, applications were received, and an interview committee selected one candidate who is from the State Government and drawing the same GP Rs. 6600.

Offer of Appointment and Candidate's Response

In order to obtain his willingness to join, an offer of appointment along with terms & conditions was sent, in which it was mentioned that Grade Pay Rs. 6600 would be given. In response, the candidate replied that he is currently drawing a higher GP Rs. 7600 in a cadre post and requested to be paid the same.

Question on Selection Validity and Pay Adjustment

The question arises whether his selection still exists or stands cancelled as he is presently receiving higher pay under the State Government. If his selection is valid, should he be paid the higher GP Rs. 7600 instead of the advertised and offered pay of Rs. 6600 after joining.

First of all, his application should not have been considered. GP is higher and shows he is in a higher post. The question of placing an employee in a lower position is debatable.

As the proposed appointment in the autonomous body is on a deputation basis only, I would like to offer a different perspective as I have noticed a contradiction in the amount of the grade pay of the prospective candidate as mentioned in the first and second paragraphs of the thread.

There is no restriction on selecting a candidate based on merit, even if they are already in the same grade pay. The candidate's demand for a higher GP does not necessarily need to be considered, as the advertisement has already specified the GP. The management can reject his counteroffer and request him to accept the offer if he is willing, or choose the next most qualified candidate.

Generally in the Central Government, officers on deputation are paid one step higher pay. Nobody in the government goes on deputation with the same pay unless the place of posting suits them. Their appointment can be cancelled if they are not interested. There are Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) guidelines on deputation, and all departments are aware of them to make appropriate decisions.

First of all, while one in a higher position cannot be demoted to a lower rank unless as a disciplinary action or during a deputation, your autonomous body is in no way exempt from the rules and laws of the land.

Furthermore, if an individual chooses to work for a lower salary than their designated pay scale, there should be no issue as long as they provide written consent.

It is advisable not to allow individuals to work in a higher-grade position if they are officially assigned to a lower grade, to prevent potential complications in the future regarding the settlement of pension, gratuity, etc.

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