CPWD Clarifies MACP Rules on Promotion Refusal

In a move to standardize the implementation of the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS), the Directorate General of Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has issued a clarification reaffirming that refusal of a regular promotion will lead to the deferment of financial upgradation under the MACP framework.

The Office Memorandum, dated 26th March 2025, is based on detailed inputs and clarifications issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which is the nodal authority for personnel matters across Central Government departments. The CPWD circular has been uploaded on its official website for dissemination across all regional offices.

What the New Clarification Says

1. Refusing Promotion Affects MACP Eligibility

Drawing from multiple DoPT OMs and ID notes, the CPWD has reiterated that an employee who refuses a regular, vacancy-based promotion before becoming eligible for a financial upgradation under MACPS will not be treated as having stagnated.

As per the directive:

The period between refusal and eventual acceptance of a promotion will not count towards MACP eligibility.
No financial upgradation will be granted under MACP during this period.
Only upon accepting the pending promotion will the clock restart for the next financial upgradation.

2. Consequential Effect on Future MACPs

If a financial upgradation was already granted due to stagnation and the employee subsequently refuses a promotion, that upgradation stands. However:

The next financial upgradation will be deferred until the employee agrees to be considered for promotion again.
The debarment period due to refusal will be deducted from the qualifying service period for future MACPs.

Guidelines Cited in the Clarification

The CPWD’s OM cites a number of key policy documents issued by DoPT:

DoPT OM No. 22011/5/86-Estt.(D) dated 10.04.1989 – outlines debarment rules upon refusal of promotion.
DoPT OM No. 35034/3/2008-Estt.(D) dated 19.05.2009 – provides the framework for MACPS implementation.
DoPT ID Note No. 35034/6/2025-PPD(MACP) dated 20.01.2025, and earlier ID notes from 2024 – clarify the impact of promotion refusal on MACP timelines in specific employee cases.

Precedent Cases Triggering the Clarification

This CPWD clarification was prompted by internal cases raised for employees such as Shri Sajil Philip, Shri Subhadeep Maity, and Shri Parmod Kumar, whose promotions were refused at various points. Upon seeking advice from DoPT, the CPWD has now confirmed that:

The time lost due to refusal will not be treated as stagnation.
This delay will push the next MACP upgradation further ahead, affecting long-term career progression.

Instructions to CPWD Units

All CPWD regional offices — including those in Chandigarh, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai — have been instructed to review pending or similar MACP cases in light of this clarification. The revised understanding is to be strictly followed in future assessments of eligibility for MACP financial upgradations.

The clarification has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority within CPWD.

Key Takeaways for Central Government Employees

Promotion refusal has real consequences: Choosing to delay promotion can derail the financial trajectory set by MACPS.
MACP is intended to reward stagnation due to lack of opportunity, not personal choice.
Employees should consider the career impact of refusing promotions, especially where promotion avenues are limited.

Final Word

By issuing this clarification, the Directorate General of CPWD ensures that MACPS is applied uniformly and in line with DoPT’s overarching policy framework. It sends a clear message: career progression schemes must reflect genuine cases of stagnation, not voluntary pauses in promotion.

View original OM: