BATHINDA, April 26 — In a significant move the Punjab Government has decided to place only those employees in the higher pay-scale, as per the recommendations of the Fourth Pay Commission, whose overall service record during the span of satisfactory service is adjudged as “good” and the employee is otherwise suitable for promotion.

In a letter (No 7/84/98-5PP1/4426) containing guidelines issued by the Department of Personnel, Government of Punjab, (Dated April 17, 2000) to all heads of department, commissioners of divisions, registrars, Punjab and Haryana High court, District and Sessions Judge, Deputy Commissioners and SDMs of state, the state government has asked them to implement the same for Assured Career Progression Scheme.

According to the guidelines laid down in the letter, “good” record will mean that more than 50 per cent of the Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) are “good” and at least two out of the last three years’ reports should be “good”. For all the remaining years the bench mark should be “average”.

The record of work, conduct, other events like starting of an inquiry, up to the date when the actual placement is made should also be kept in view. The competent authority would however, ensure that the number of employees in the higher scale does not exceed the percentage, wherever prescribed at any time.

If the promotion of an employee to higher post occurs after having got placement in the higher scale under this scheme, benefit of only one increment instead of two, shall be allowed in fixing his pay in the scale of pay of the promotion post. The cases of pay fixation/placement decided by the Administrative Departments before the issue of the Finance Department’s letter (No. 1/82/98-FPI/10946, dated 23.9.1998), shall be reviewed immediately and excess payment made, if any, shall be adjusted from future payments.

The decision will be effective from January 1, 1996, and will be applicable to the categories of employees, including Veterinary Officer of Animal Husbandry Department, Assistant Architect of Architecture Department, Medical Officers PCMs-I of Health and Family Welfare Department, Sub-Divisional Engineer of Irrigation and Power Department, Deputy Superintendent of Police of Police Department, PCS (E.B) of General Administration Department, Sub-Divisional Engineer of Public Works (B and R), Sub-Divisional Engineers of PWD (Public Health) Departments and Assistant Town Planner of Town and Country Planning Department.

Meanwhile, Dr Ajit Paul Singh, president of the local PCMS Association, in a press note issued here, condemned the state government’s decision and said higher pay-scale was a constitutional right of employees and it could not be taken away by forming any sort of policy.