IREC Rule No.122: Supernumerary Posts

122.  Supernumerary Posts:

Supernumerary posts are permanent posts created under special circumstances for operation for a limited period as such at the discretion of the competent authority to create the posts in the administrative convenience.

Government of India’s Orders

While it is obviously not possible to give an exhaustive list of the circumstances in which supernumerary posts may be created, the following broad principles governing the creation of such posts may be indicated.

(i)  A supernumerary post is normally created to accommodate the lien of an officer, who, in the opinion of the authority competent to create such a post, is entitled to hold a lien against a regular permanent post but  who, due to non-availability of a regular permanent post, cannot have his lien against such post.

(ii)    It is shadow post i.e., no duties are attached to such posts. The officer, whose lien is maintained against such a post, generally performs duties in some other vacant temporary or permanent posts.

(iii)  It can be created only if another vacant permanent or temporary post is available to provide work for the person, whose lien is retained by the creation of the supernumerary post.  In other words, it should not be created in circumstances which, at the time of creation of the post or thereafter, would lead to an excess of the working strength.

(iv)   It is always a permanent post.  Since, however, it is a post created for accommodating a permanent officer till he is absorbed in a regular permanent post, it should not be created for an indefinite period as other permanent posts are, but should normally be created for a definite and fixed period sufficient for the purpose in view.

(v)   It is personal to the officer for whom it is created and no other officer can be appointed against such a post. It stands abolished as soon as the officer for whom it was created vacates it on account of retirement or confirmation in another regular permanent post or for any other reason. In other words, no officiating arrangements can be made against such a post. Since a supernumerary post is not a working post, the number of working posts in cadre will continue to be regulated in a manner that, if a permanent incumbent of one of the regular posts returns to the cadre and all the posts are manned, one of the officers of the cadre will have to make room, for him. He should not be shown against a supernumerary post.

(vi)  No extra financial commitment is involved in the creation of such posts in the shape of increased pay and allowances, pensionary benefits etc.