Clarification on application of FR49 – Appointments to higher Post

DOPT issues clarification on FR49 for processing Appointments to higher Post by Ministries and Departments

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has issued an OM on FR49 and Clarifications regarding application of FR49.

F.No. 4/212014-Estt.(Pay-11)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel  and Training

North Block,,New Delhi
dated  16th April,2015

OFFICE  MEMORANDUM

Subject:          Clarification  regarding application of FR 49 –  regarding

This  Department   undertook  a review  of FR 49 with  a view  to ensure  that the  provisions ·of the  FR are applied  in public  interest  and the  spirit of the  FR is maintained.     It  has  been decided  that the following  points  may be kept in view  by Ministries/ Departments  while  processing  cases for giving additional  charge –

(i)         The provisions   of FR  49 apply  only to Government servants. Appointments   of an employee  of an autonomous  body/PSU  etc to another such body would  be governed by the Rules of the individual’s  employer;

(ii)        The provisions  of FR  49 are applicable  to cases where   the  post held by the Government  servant  and the  post to  which   he is appointed  are  under the Government.

(iii)        Additional   pay for  holding  additional  charge of the posts in  PSUs,  autonomous bodies etc.  is  not  permissible   under FR-49.

(iv)      Appointments  made under FR  49 should follow the spirit   of the  FR  to meet short term  requirements only and it may be ensured that  the  provisions are not used to indirectly   confer  promotional   benefits in lieu  of promotion.

(v)       Instructions   of Ministry  of Finance  issued vide  OM No.  7(7)/E.Coord/93  dated 3rd  May 1993  read with  OM No. 7(4)/E.Coord(l)/2001    dated 27th March 2001 regarding  ‘economy   in  administrative   expenditures  –  guidelines for abolition of posts’  may be kept in  view in this  regard so that  approval  of Ministry of Finance  for  revival   of post(s)  is obtained  wherever necessary before assigning the additional   charge of posts.

(vi)        While,   the  language of the  FR 49 provides for appointment  to a higher post, no occasion  for  appointing  a Government servant to a post next above or even higher than the  post next  in hierarchy   should arise.   Such appointments  may not be made without the approval  of Department  of Personnel  and Training.

(vii)      Though   appointments    covered   under   FR    49(i)   are   not   promotion,   the Government  Servant   so appointed  gets the  pay of the  higher  post. While it may not  be  necessary to  go strictly  by seniority  in   making  such  stop  gap arrangements,   as far  as  possible the  senior most officer  holding  the  lower post in the  Department   may be so appointed.  The suitability  of the officer for discharging   the  functions  of the  post should   also  be assessed.  If the  post requires  any specialised skill/experience/training,     the person most suited for the task may be appointed.

(viii)       No  person who  is  facing  a disciplinary proceeding or is otherwise not suitable (for  example who has an adverse entry  in a recent APAR)  should be given the additional   charge.

(ix)          The   orders for appointments  may be issued   only after obtaining  the approval of the authority  competent  to make appointments to the post.

2.         It is requested  that the above information  may be brought to the notice of all  concerned.

(A. K. Jain)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India

Download Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Per F.No. 4/212014-Estt.(Pay-11) dated 16.04.2015