Under the standard departmental reimbursement rules, regular HSG-I officials placed in Pay Matrix Level-7 are officially denied the allowance for a briefcase, officer bag, or ladies purse. As of February 19, 2026, the Department of Posts has issued a final clarification shutting down all pending claims based merely on pay level equivalence.
The Briefcase Reimbursement Misconception in Level 7
A widespread assumption across postal circles was that reaching Pay Matrix Level-7 automatically unlocked all administrative perks associated with the erstwhile Grade Pay of Rs 4600. The All India Association of Supervisor Cadre (Gr. B) formally raised this issue regarding the HSG-I cadre. However, the Ministry of Finance and the 7th CPC framework explicitly tie certain allowances to the functional requirements of a post, rather than just the basic pay level.
Why Mere Placement in Level-7 Fails the Audit
According to the previous baseline clarification dated 05.12.2024, the eligibility for bag reimbursement is strictly restricted to two categories: All Gazetted Officers of the Department of Posts, and officials equivalent to Inspector of Posts who possess a “touring nature of duties”. The newly released order explicitly states that HSG-I officials hold neither Gazetted status nor touring duties. Therefore, their placement in Level-7 does not automatically confer eligibility for this specific reimbursement.
In practice, DDOs routinely reject briefcase reimbursement bills submitted by newly promoted HSG-I staff because drawing Level-7 pay under MACP or regular promotion does not override the strict touring condition required by postal audit offices.
Financial Impact: Losing the Perk but Keeping the Pay
While HSG-I officials miss out on the briefcase reimbursement—which is typically a minor triennial allowance—their core financial progression into Level-7 remains highly lucrative. The Pay Commission Secretariat ensures that the Dearness Allowance, calculated using Labour Bureau AICPIN data, applies fully to their enhanced basic pay.
Level 6 vs Level 7 Salary Projection
Even without the bag allowance, the promotion from LSG (Level 6) to HSG-I (Level 7) triggers a substantial jump in monthly earnings. Staff tracking their DA arrears often monitor the 8th pay commission fitment factor 2026 latest news today to calculate the real value of this Level-7 placement.
| Postal Cadre | Pay Matrix Level | Starting Basic Pay | Projected Gross (with 55% DA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSG Official | Level 6 | Rs 35,400 | Rs 54,870 |
| Inspector of Posts | Level 7 (with bag perk) | Rs 44,900 | Rs 69,595 |
| HSG-I Official | Level 7 (no bag perk) | Rs 44,900 | Rs 69,595 |
Eligibility Breakdown for Briefcase Allowance
The Establishment Division’s letter, signed by the Section Officer (PAP), removes all ambiguity regarding who can submit a claim to their accounts branch.
Who Can Actually Claim the Reimbursement?
All Gazetted Officers of India Post
Inspector of Posts (with touring duties)
ASPs executing regular field inspections
Regular HSG-I Officials
Non-Gazetted staff with stationary desk duties
Staff holding Level-7 strictly via MACP
Are HSG-I officials entitled to briefcase reimbursement?
No. The Department of Posts clarified on 18.02.2026 that regular HSG-I officials are not eligible for the reimbursement of a briefcase or officer bag.
Why is a Level-7 HSG-I official denied the bag allowance?
Reimbursement requires either Gazetted status or a touring nature of duties. HSG-I officials lack both, meaning their Level-7 status alone does not confer eligibility.
Who is eligible for briefcase reimbursement in the Department of Posts?
The eligibility is restricted to All Gazetted Officers and officials equivalent to Inspector of Posts (erstwhile Grade Pay Rs 4600) who have touring duties.
Does MACP to Level 7 make an employee eligible for this allowance?
No. Allowances linked to the functional nature of a post, such as touring requirements for a briefcase, are not granted based solely on financial upgradation under MACP.
हिंदी सारांश
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