Updates on Cadre Restructuring, AISL & DPC, and Other Key Service Matters
Dear Members,
Pursuant
to the meeting invitation issued by DGHRD, New Delhi, a delegation of AIASCT
attended the consultation held on 02.11.2026,
chaired by the Chairman, CBIC, in the presence of the Member (Administration),
Director General (DGHRD) and other senior Board officials. During the meeting,
DGHRD officials made a presentation on the proposed Cadre
Restructuring exercise in the presence of representatives of various other cadre
associations.
The
delegation continued its engagements on 03.11.2026 with senior Board
authorities and concerned directorates to pursue the long-pending issues
affecting the cadre. The important developments
are outlined below.
1.
Cadre Restructuring
As
communicated earlier, the Board proposes to introduce a Branch B Service,
broadly modelled on the IFS Branch B structure. Under the proposed framework,
Branch B officers would be integrated with the Central Group 'A' Service at the
level of Deputy Commissioner (DC) and progress along with Central Service Group A, IRS.
Team
AIASCT observed that several suggestions and proposals submitted by the
Association during earlier interactions, including the meetings held on 08
and 09 October 2026, have found place in the present proposal. However, the
delegation strongly emphasised that the proposed provision of approximately 900
Deputy Commissioner posts would be inadequate to meet the future career
progression requirements, particularly in view of the large number of
Superintendents awaiting promotion to Assistant Commissioner. The delegation
pressed for a substantial enhancement in DC posts to prevent further stagnation
among promotee Assistant Commissioners in the coming years. DGHRD officials
noted the concern but indicated that the prescribed ratio under the IFS Branch
B model places certain structural limits on increasing DC-level posts.
On
03.11.2026,
Team AIASCT held a follow-up meeting with the Member (Administration), Director
General (DGHRD) and other senior officials. DGHRD informed that the proposal
would shortly be placed before the Revenue Secretary and the Hon'ble Finance
Minister for consideration. The officials assured that the Association's
submissions would be accommodated to the maximum extent possible within the
prescribed norms to facilitate smooth progression of the proposal towards
approval.
The
Board has proposed a substantial enhancement in the strength of Assistant
Commissioner (Branch B) posts, while retaining the provision for direct
recruitment of Inspectors in Pay Level 7. The delegation emphasised that
the final restructuring must provide meaningful and sustainable career
progression opportunities for officers of the executive cadres.
2. All India
Seniority List (AISL) and Consequential DPC
Team AIASCT held separate meetings with
the concerned sections and officers of CBIC dealing with the finalisation of
the AISL and the conduct of the DPC for promotion from Superintendent to
Assistant Commissioner.
Concluding these engagements on
03.11.2026, the delegation met the Member (Administration), CBIC, and strongly
pressed for immediate resolution of the long-pending AISL issue and the
consequent delay in conducting the DPC.
Senior CBIC officials acknowledged the
significant contribution of the Superintendent cadre and reiterated their
commitment to finalising the AISL at the earliest. The Member (Administration)
assured the delegation that the Board is actively pursuing the matter and
making every effort to resolve it by December 2026.
The Board also requested the
Association to appeal to its members to facilitate the smooth completion of the
AISL and DPC processes, avoiding fresh litigation-related hurdles, in the
larger interest of the cadre.
3. Mumbai Zone –
Regularisation and NFU Issues
Team AIASCT met the Joint Secretary
(Administration) and the concerned officials to pursue the pending issues
relating to regularisation of Superintendents and grant of Non-Functional
Upgradation (NFU) in Mumbai Zone.
During the discussions, AIASCT proposed
convening a joint meeting between the Mumbai Zone Administration and the
concerned Board officials to resolve the outstanding issues and administrative
bottlenecks expeditiously. The Association will also coordinate closely with
the Mumbai Unit for sustained follow-up.
4. Follow-up on
01.01.1996 Pay Parity Case before CAT, Principal Bench (OA No. 1622/2026)
The delegation met the Director (Ad-II)
and concerned officials to press for early filing of the departmental reply in OA
No. 1622/2026 before the Principal Bench of CAT, New Delhi. The case seeks
in-rem implementation of the 01.01.1996 pay parity issue.
To ensure continuous follow-up, the
AIASCT Delhi Unit has been entrusted with coordinating closely with the CAT
Cell, Delhi Zone, to facilitate submission of the departmental reply without
further delay.
5. Prevailing
Situation in Bengaluru Zone
The delegation apprised the Member
(Administration) of the prevailing situation in Bengaluru Zone, where officers
have been facing continuing administrative difficulties and harassment. The
Member (Administration) gave a patient hearing and assured the delegation that
he would personally look into the matter.
The Association remains hopeful of an
early and constructive resolution in the interests of both the officers and the
administration.
6. Support to All
India Central Excise Inspectors' Association (AICEIA)
During the visit, Team AIASCT also
extended its support to the All India Central Excise Inspectors' Association
(AICEIA) in taking up various issues concerning the Inspector cadre before the
appropriate authorities at different forums.
Team AIASCT firmly believes that the
interests of Inspectors and Superintendents are closely interconnected. Mutual
cooperation and solidarity between the two Associations are essential to
securing meaningful improvements in service conditions, career progression and
promotional avenues across both cadres.
The two-day visit involved extensive interactions with senior CBIC authorities and concerned directorates, with constructive discussions on various long-pending issues. The positive and receptive approach of the Chairman, CBIC, the Member (Administration) and the Director General, DGHRD, provides an encouraging way forward for continued engagement and resolution of these issues. The All India Body remains firmly committed to pursuing the legitimate interests and welfare of its members through sustained engagement, constructive dialogue and concerted efforts.
Together, we remain determined in our
pursuit of the collective aspirations and rights of our members.
With Fraternal Regards,
Secretary General
AIASCT


