Cadre Review Technicalities
One-Time Relaxation
The “Secret Key” to Mass Promotions
The “One-Time Relaxation” Rule: How You Can Get Promoted Even Without 5 Years Service (Cadre Review Secret)
- Problem: Sudden Vacancies vs Eligibility Gap
- Solution: One-Time Relaxation Clause
- Beneficiaries: PAs/SAs with 2-4 years service
- Authority: DoPT OM & Committee Recommendation
The “Vacancy Trap” Explained
The Cadre Restructuring Committee has recommended increasing the LSG quota from ~22% to 40%. This is great news, but it creates a technical problem:
The Gap: Suddenly, thousands of LSG posts will be created. But most senior PAs are already promoted via MACP. The remaining juniors may not have completed the 5 Years Qualifying Service required for LSG.
Will the posts remain vacant? No.
The Solution: “One-Time Relaxation”
To fix this, the Committee has explicitly recommended a One-Time Relaxation in eligibility conditions. This is a standard procedure allowed by DoPT during major restructuring exercises.
✅ How It Works
If the Recruitment Rules (RR) say you need 5 years service for promotion, the Department can relax it to 3 years or even less for this specific year.
Why? To ensure the newly created posts are filled immediately by the existing staff, rather than waiting for years.
Scenario: Are You Eligible Now?
Let’s look at how this changes your eligibility status:
| Condition | Normal Rule | With Relaxation (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Service | 5 Years Regular Service | Reduced to ~3 Years |
| Vacancy Date | Current Year vacancies only | Chain Vacancies included |
| Result | Junior waits for 2 more years | Junior gets promoted NOW |
Impact on Seniority (The “Chain Reaction”)
This relaxation triggers a chain reaction across all grades:
1. HSG-I Level
Existing HSG-II officials (who just got promoted) might be short of service for HSG-I. Relaxation allows them to jump to Level 7 immediately.
2. PA/SA Level
As seniors move up rapidly due to relaxation, the “Entry Grade” clears up, allowing faster confirmation and transfer chances (Rule 38) for new recruits.
Important Note for RMS Staff
In the Railway Mail Service (RMS), the shortage of eligible staff for HSA (Head Sorting Assistant) is acute. This relaxation is most critical for RMS wings, where operational posts cannot be left unmanned. Expect the relaxation norms to be most generous here.