Mandi DC Office staff oppose changes in promotion quota

The Mandi unit of the Deputy Commissioner Office Employees’ Union has opposed any change in the existing quota allocated for ministerial staff promotions. In a joint statement, union president Vijay Singh, general secretary Kulbhushan, senior vice-president Prithi Pal Singh, Deputy Commissioner Office unit president Ajay Guleria, women vice-president Saroj Gautam and fourth-grade vice-president Hukam Chand condemned the Patwari-Kanungo Union’s demand to increase their quota for promotion to Naib-Tehsildar from 60 per cent to 80 per cent.

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The union leaders emphasised that such changes would not be tolerated and urged the government to maintain the current allocation for ministerial staff. They warned that any alteration would compel them to protest, and if such demonstrations disrupted government operations, the union should not be

held responsible.

The statement highlighted that the Himachal Pradesh government had formed a four-member committee, led by Additional Secretary (Revenue) Balwan Chand, to examine the demands of the Patwari-Kanungo Union. The committee was responsible for preparing a detailed report for the government. However, despite the Patwari-Kanungo Union’s repeated attempts over the years, no government had accepted their demand so far.

General secretary Kulbhushan criticised the committee for submitting its report without consulting the Deputy Commissioner Office Employees’ Union. He stated that the union had sought a meeting with the committee on August 23, 2024, with the Chief Minister, Revenue Minister, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), and Director of Land Records, but was not invited. The report was submitted without their input, which they deemed unfair.

In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, Revenue Minister and other officials on October 4, 2024, the union firmly requested that the existing promotion system remain unchanged. They insisted that the current rules under the 1973 recruitment regulations already ensure fair opportunities for both ministerial staff and Patwaris-Kanungos.

The union also refuted claims made by the Patwari-Kanungo Union that a dual promotion system exists only in the Revenue Department. They pointed out that similar practices are followed across various state government departments, including the Superintendent Class-II posts, where all positions are filled by Senior Assistants.

Reaffirming their stance, the union urged the government not to succumb to external pressure and to uphold the current promotion structure to ensure fairness for all employees.