The Wait Must End!

 AIASCT seeks the Revenue Secretary's intervention for AISL & DPC.

Dear Esteemed Members,

Warm Greeting!

The pursuit of justice for our cadre continues with renewed resolve. As part of our sustained efforts to address the long-standing issues of All India Seniority List (AISL) and conduct of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for promotion from Superintendent to Assistant Commissioner, the Association has now taken the matter to the highest level in the Department by submitting a detailed representation to the Revenue Secretary seeking his intervention for an early resolution.

A Cadre Grappling with Unprecedented Stagnation

The Superintendent cadre is today witnessing one of the most prolonged phases of career stagnation in its history. A large number of officers are retiring after rendering more than 30 years of dedicated service with only one regular promotion in their entire career. This is not merely a question of delayed promotions—it is a matter of fairness, equity and recognition of decades of dedicated service.

The continued non-finalization of the AISL has consequently delayed the DPC for promotion to the grade of Assistant Commissioner, depriving eligible officers of their legitimate career progression. Every passing month sees more officers retire without receiving the promotion they rightfully deserve, resulting in an irreversible loss that no subsequent financial benefit can fully compensate.

1,534 Vacancies Demand Immediate Attention

One of the key concerns highlighted in the representation is that, as per the Disposition List (SS-WS) as on 01.06.2026, there are 1,534 vacancies in the grades of Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, the majority of which are promotional posts. Despite the availability of such a substantial number of vacancies, eligible officers continue to await consideration for promotion due to the pendency of the All India Seniority List (AISL). 

The Association has further pointed out that, as per the timelines prescribed by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) in O.M. No. 22011/4/2013-Estt.(D) dated 08.05.2017, the DPC for the vacancy year 2026 ought to have been completed by October 2025 itself. By this time, the process for the DPC for the vacancy year 2027 should ordinarily have been at an advanced stage. 

The continued delay has only prolonged stagnation in the Superintendent cadre and deprived eligible officers of their legitimate career progression.

AIASCT Strongly Supports Early Cadre Restructuring

The Association has once again reiterated its unequivocal support for the early implementation of Cadre Restructuring. Cadre Restructuring remains an essential long-term measure to address stagnation, strengthen the organisational framework and create better career opportunities for the cadre.

At the same time, the Association has submitted that when a substantial number of sanctioned promotional posts are already lying vacant, the assurance of creating additional Assistant Commissioner posts through Cadre Restructuring, without filling the existing vacancies, may not adequately instil confidence in the cadre regarding the intended improvement in career progression.

A Long-standing Injustice to the Central Excise Feeder Cadre

The representation also highlights the continuing injustice faced by officers of the Central Excise feeder cadre. Although Superintendents of Central Excise, Examiners and Preventive Officers entered the Department through the same recruitment examination, career progression has not been equitable.

In many instances, officers belonging to the Examiner and Preventive Officer streams have secured promotions to higher grades well before their seniors in the Central Excise feeder cadre. This disparity, particularly affecting officers serving in the most stagnating Central Excise Zones, has persisted for decades and deserves urgent corrective attention in the interest of fairness and equal opportunity.

Our Appeal to the Revenue Secretary

The representation submitted to the Revenue Secretary concludes with a request for his kind intervention to ensure an early resolution of this long-pending issue. AIASCT has requested that suitable directions be issued for the expeditious finalization of the All India Seniority List (AISL) of Superintendents of GST & Central Excise for the years 2014 and 2015; that the concerned authorities complete all remaining formalities within a definite timeframe, and;  that the long-awaited Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for promotion to the grade of Assistant Commissioner is convened at the earliest, thereby providing the long-overdue career progression to eligible officers.

Our Pursuit Continues

The issue of AISL and DPC has remained one of the Association's foremost priorities. The present Central Committee( All India Body) has continued this sustained effort through representations to the Chairman, CBIC, discussions during the Official Consultative Meeting, meetings with senior officers in New Delhi and, most recently, by submitting a detailed representation to the Revenue Secretary seeking his intervention for an early resolution.

The Association remains steadfast in its commitment to pursue this matter until a meaningful outcome is achieved.

Together Towards Justice and Career Progression

The strength of AIASCT lies in the unity and unwavering support of its members. Every representation, every meeting and every initiative is driven by a single objective—to secure fair, timely and equitable career progression for every Superintendent. We sincerely hope that the intervention sought from the Revenue Secretary will lead to the early finalization of the AISL and the conduct of the long-awaited DPC, bringing long-overdue relief to thousands of deserving officers across the country. However, if the issue continues to remain unresolved, the Association will be constrained to consider an appropriate future course of action in consultation with the members through our unit representatives. Any decision, including appropriate collective action, can succeed only with the active support and solidarity of every member of the Association. 

Together, we shall continue to strive for fairness, justice and timely career progression.

With confidence in our collective strength,

Rabish Chandra
Secretary General

(Click here for letter submitted to the Revenue Secretary)