Flexible Complementing Scheme for Scientists-Date of effect of Promotion

DOPT has clarified that since Flexible Complementing Scheme is an upgradation scheme meant for the scientists in Scientific and Technological Departments based on evaluation of scientific and technical knowledge of scientists.  Hence only scientists who have their credit demonstrable achievements or higher level of technical merit are recommended for promotion.  DOPT has further clarified that giving the benefit of promotions from a retrospective date or from the date of completion of residency period without timely assessment would dilute the spirit of FCS instructions on rigorous assessment and would be akin to granting of financial upgradation as in other such schemes.

DOPT has given this clarification consequent on proposals from various Ministries/Departments on the issue of antedating the promotion/ retrospective promotions under FCS based on court orders, etc.

The full text of this Office Memorandum No. AB-14017/36/2011-Estt(RR) dated 21.09.2012 is as follows.

No. AB-14017/36/2011-Estt(RR)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension
Department of Personnel & Training

New Delhi, the 21st September 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Flexible Complementing Scheme for Scientists in Scientific and Technological Departments — date of effect of promotions

The Flexible Complementing Scheme (FCS) for scientists is in position in some of the scientific Ministries/Departments of the Government of India with the issue of guidelines issued by this Department under O.M. No.2/41/97-PIG dated the 9th November, 1998.  The same is presently governed by the Modified FCS guidelines issued by this Department after 6th CPC under O.M. No. AB 14017/37/2008- Estt.(RR) dated the 10th September, 2010.

2. On the issue of date of effect of promotions under FCS, this Department’s instructions issued in OM dated 17th July, 2002 lay down that as promotions are made effective from a prospective date after the competent authority has approved the same, the same principle shall be applicable in the case of in situ promotions under FCS as well. The OM makes it very clear that the Assessment Boards have to be constituted well in advance keeping in view the fact that 1st January and 1st July of each year are crucial dates to effect promotions. The competent authority shall ensure that no promotion is granted with retrospective effect.

3. This Department has received a number of proposals from various Ministries/Departments on the issue of antedating the promotion/ retrospective promotions under FCS based on court orders, etc. The delay in assessment for promotions is cited on account of various administrative reasons, non availability of ACRs., etc. The Hon’ble Courts/Tribunal while giving directions for giving promotions from a retrospective date have made references to the provisions of the DOPT OM dated 17.7.2002 which requires in situ promotions under FCS to be effected each year and mandates timely assessments should be made well in advance keeping in view the crucial dates. Attention is also invited to the DOPT instructions vide OM No. 21011/02/2009-Estt (A) dated 16th February 2009 which prescribes the Time Schedule for preparation of Confidential Reports by the various Ministries/Departments. Delay in convening of Assessment Board meetings due to administrative reasons leads to delayed promotions which in turn has a bearing on subsequent promotions also.

4. Under FCS, promotion Is not effected upon arising of a vacancy. Subject to being found suitable, the Scientists are entitled to be promoted in situ.  The guidelines however lay down that assessment norms for promotions under the FCS should be rigorous with due emphasis on evaluation of scientific and technical knowledge so that only scientists who have to their credit demonstrable achievements or higher level of technical merit are recommended for promotion. Giving the benefit of promotions from a retrospective date or from the date of completion of residency period without timely assessment as prescribed in our guidelines would dilute the spirit of FCS instructions on rigorous assessment and would be akin to granting of financial upgradation as in other such schemes.

5. The Ministries/Departments may bring the above to the notice of all concerned for necessary action and strict compliance.

Download DOPT Office Memorandum No. AB-14017/36/2011-Estt(RR) dated 21.09.2012