Introduction to ACP Scheme (Assured Career Progression)
The ACP Scheme, short for Assured Career Progression, was launched by the Punjab Government based on the recommendations of the Fourth Punjab Pay Commission. It provides time-bound financial upgrades to employees who have limited or no promotional opportunities within their cadre.
Effective Date: 1st January 1996
Applicable To: All Punjab Government employees under Punjab Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 1998
Exceptions:
- Employees who have already received 3 or more pay scale upgrades under 1998 rules
- Employees covered under any other financial upgradation/career scheme
ACP Scheme Benefits – Timeline Based Structure
🔹 After 8 Years of Service – 1st Pay Scale Upgrade
- Employees completing 8 years in the same post (without promotion) get a higher pay scale.
- Upgraded to next pay scale as per Column 3 of the First Schedule in the 1998 Rules.
- Pay fixed at next higher stage in the master pay scale.
- Regular annual increment continues.
🔹 After 16 Years of Service – First Proficiency Step-Up
- Salary is enhanced within the same pay scale (no change in designation).
- Recognizes continued service without promotion.
🔹 After 24 Years of Service – Second Proficiency Step-Up
- Another internal salary enhancement within the same scale.
- No change in position or title.
🔹 After 32 Years of Service – Second Pay Scale Upgrade
- Employees receive another pay scale upgrade based on the official pay hierarchy.
- Final pay fixed in accordance with position in the master scale.
ACP Option for Employees in Service Before 1996
- Eligible to opt for ACP from the effective date (01.01.1996) under Rule 6.
- Employees can revise their option within 2 months of notification if it results in better benefits.
Special Provisions & Clarifications under Assured Career Progression
🔸 Prior Step-Ups Before ACP:
- Previous proficiency step-ups granted before ACP implementation are adjusted into the new structure.
- E.g., Employee with 16 years’ service and one step-up will be placed under ACP accordingly.
🔸 Promotions vs. ACP Benefits:
- Promotion before ACP: Benefit postponed.
- Promotion after ACP: Only one additional increment (not two) at the time of promotion.
🔸 Maximum Entitlement:
- Employees are eligible for:
→ 2 Pay Scale Upgrades
→ 2 Proficiency Step-Ups (total of 4 financial benefits in service)
Eligibility Conditions for ACP Scheme
- Service record must be marked as ‘Good’ throughout.
- Where applicable, employee must pass departmental tests or possess required qualifications for promotion.
Important ACP Policy Highlights
✅ No new posts or designations created under this scheme
✅ No change in the employee’s role or title
✅ Authority responsible for promotions will also process ACP approvals
✅ Appeals follow same route as promotion-related decisions
✅ Old Senior Scale / Selection Grade systems are abolished
Conclusion
The Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme is a structured and transparent policy that rewards loyal and long-serving Punjab Government employees who have not received promotions due to limited cadre movement. It ensures timely financial recognition at key milestones of 8, 16, 24, and 32 years of service.
