Clarification on Discontinuation of Non-Functional Scale (NFS) and Pay Re-fixation for CSIR SO & PS
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has issued a new Office Memorandum on July 17, 2026, providing crucial clarifications regarding the discontinuation of the Non-Functional Scale (NFS). This update is essential for Central Government Employees serving as Section Officers (SO) and Private Secretaries (PS) under CSIR.
📌 Note: This is a follow-up clarification to the previous directive issued on July 3, 2026. For full background details on the initial cancellation of the NFS benefit, please refer to our previous post: CSIR Discontinues Non-Functional Scale (NFS) for Section Officers & Private Secretaries.
Key Highlights of the Order
| OM Number | 5-1(234)/2014-PD |
| Date of Issue | July 17, 2026 |
| Subject | Clarification on Pay Re-fixation due to NFS Discontinuation |
| Effective Date of Withdrawal | Ab initio (since October 3, 2003) |
Detailed Summary
Following the July 3, 2026 memorandum that discontinued the NFS benefit with effect from January 1, 2017, certain doubts were raised. Specifically, during a meeting held on July 7, 2026, involving Administrative Officers (AOs, CoAs, Sr. COAs) and the Joint Secretary (Admin), a question emerged regarding pay re-fixation. The administration needed clarity on whether pay re-fixation applies to all serving Common Cadre Officers (CCOs) who had ever received the NFS benefit, or solely to those granted the benefit on or after January 1, 2017.
The Competent Authority, in consultation with the Financial Advisor (FA) of CSIR, examined the matter and provided a definitive answer. It has been officially clarified that the pay of all serving common cadre officers who were granted the NFS after completing four years of service as SO/PS must be re-fixed. This re-fixation is to be calculated from the exact date the benefit was initially granted, effectively treating the NFS as withdrawn from its inception (ab initio), dated October 3, 2003.
Important Points Regarding Pay Re-fixation
- The pay re-fixation mandate applies universally to all serving CCOs who received the NFS benefit.
- Pay must be re-calculated directly from the date the NFS benefit was extended to the employee.
- This rule is applicable irrespective of the specific date the benefit was granted, meaning the January 1, 2017 cutoff does not exempt prior beneficiaries from re-fixation.
- The benefit of the Non-Functional Scale is officially recognized as withdrawn ab initio (since 03.10.2003).
- Directors and Heads of all CSIR National Labs, Institutes, and Units are instructed to take immediate necessary actions to comply with these guidelines.
Conclusion
This latest OM resolves the confusion surrounding the previous order by confirming that all serving Section Officers and Private Secretaries who received the NFS will undergo pay re-fixation from the original date of their grant. The retroactive withdrawal means all CSIR units must recalculate pay scales appropriately. Employees are encouraged to download the official PDF circular below for their personal records.
Educational Purpose Only: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.
Accuracy & Mistakes: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, human errors or omissions may occur.
No Liability: Under no circumstances shall the author or this website be held liable for any loss arising from the use of this information.
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