Can the Offer Letter Date Be Your Joining Date to Dodge Postal Delays and Career Setbacks?

Date of Issue of Offer of Employment Letter

The date of issue of the Offer of Employment Letter from the Ministry of Government of India can be considered as the joining date to avoid postal delays. Sometimes, a delay of a few days due to postal delays may result in the employee experiencing a loss of increment and promotional prospects for their entire career.

In government service, both central and state, you can join only after receiving posting orders from the HOD following the appointment orders issued by the concerned ministry. Whether there is a postal delay or any other kind of delay, it will not matter; only the candidate's actual date of joining will be considered for all employment purposes, such as the commencement of probation, annual increment, etc.

The Importance of a Standard Joining Date

The solution proposed is more dangerous than the problem itself. With modern IT devices, postal delays can be overcome, and all candidates can be simultaneously informed of their selection and induction date. The date of joining carries significant importance in government departments. When multiple candidates join together for the same post, can you consider giving a standard date for joining all so that uniformity is maintained and none are prejudiced?

Context for the Query

Anyhow, the date of issue of the offer of employment is not of much importance. What matters is the receipt of the posting order and the date of joining. Seniority of the employee is not based on the date of joining but on the merit in the selection process. Similarly, the first increment is sanctioned either on the 1st of January or the 1st of July, once the employee completes six months of service.

Thank you so much, all respected sirs, for your kind responses. The problem is that if the Ministry issues an order on 28th June and it reaches the respective employee on 2nd July, and he joins on 2nd July, the delay may be just 4 days. But when considering subsequent assessments, if the cut-off date is 30th June, he will not be considered, and ultimately he loses about a year. Financially, it is also unfavorable. Even the DoPT order No. 39011/02/2002-Estt(B) dated 5.11.2002 says, "it should be ensured that delays in sending offers of appointment to the candidates selected by UPSC are reduced to a minimum." So, when sending orders in June of a year, if it is ensured that orders may reach the candidates in June itself, these issues won't arise. Here, in this case, a four-day delay may cost much more in further service. Sometimes, his other batchmates may move a cadre ahead. Requested for your kind comments.

Yes, when recruiting individuals for government service, this aspect must be duly considered to avoid such career drawbacks for a few people.

Respected Sir/Madam, Could there be any DoPT order that allows relaxation in the residency period of scientists by one day to undergo screening assessment? Please reply.

But while considering subsequent assessments, if the cut-off date is 30th June, he will not be considered, and ultimately he loses about a year. Financially, it is also unfavorable.

What is the assessment that is referred to?
Performance assessment is for the period from 1st April to 31st March. An APAR is written for every employee who has completed more than 3 months of service.

There are many steps after the UPSC makes the selection and issues appointment and posting orders, such as police verification, medical examination, etc. As already stated, seniority is based on the rank in the merit list and not the date of joining.

Thank you so much, sir, for the response. The assessment is for Scientist-D. Under MFCS, there is a relaxation of one year for outstanding Scientists, but it is general.

DoPT or Court Orders for Relaxations
Is there any DoPT order or Court order that gives or gave relaxations in exceptional cases, such as due to consideration of an increment on 1st July or delayed sending of appointment orders, etc.?

Is there any DoPT order or court order that provides a one-day relaxation in the residency period for assessments for higher posts for those who joined on 2nd July, allowing them to benefit from the annual increment on 1st July?