Understanding the Latest DoPT Instructions on Membership Verification Under CCS RSA Rules
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued a new Office Memorandum dated 03 November 2025 regarding the recognition of service associations under the Central Civil Services (Recognition of Service Associations) Rules, 1993—commonly known as the CCS RSA Rules. This update is important for employees belonging to CSS, CSCS, and CSSS cadres, as well as for DDOs across Central Secretariat Ministries and Departments.
Background: Applications for Recognition of Service Associations
Earlier in July and August 2025, DoPT invited applications from service associations seeking formal recognition under the CCS RSA Rules. After reviewing the submissions, the department has now identified the following associations as eligible for the next stage—verification of membership:
- Central Secretariat Promotee Group B Officers Association
- Central Secretariat Group C Employees Association
- Central Secretariat Staff Car Drivers’ Association
- Central Secretariat NG Employees Union
- Central Secretariat Group B Officers Union
- Central Secretariat Employees Association
These associations will undergo verification before formal recognition is granted.
How Membership Verification Works Under the CCS RSA Rules
Under Rule 7 of the CCS RSA Rules, verification of membership is done through the Check-off System. This system ensures a transparent and standardized method of confirming whether an employee is genuinely a member of a particular association.
Key Steps in the Check-off System
- Employee Consent
The employee must submit a written request to the DDO (or designated authority) giving consent for deduction of the annual subscription fee from their payroll. - Association Confirmation
Once the employee submits the request, the respective association must confirm the membership. - Submission to DDO
After confirmation, the association forwards the application to the DDO for processing.
This ensures that only legitimate and verified members are counted for recognition purposes.
DDOs to Deduct Annual Membership Fees in November 2025
As per the latest instructions, DDOs of all Ministries and Departments under the Central Secretariat must:
- Deduct the annual membership fee for FY 2025–26 in the November 2025 payroll.
- Ensure that the fee is deducted once in the financial year, not monthly.
- Process deductions only for employees who have given valid written consent.
This one-time annual deduction aligns with the guidelines specified under the CCS RSA Rules.
Employees Can Be Members of Only One Association
The OM reiterates a crucial rule:
👉 An employee can be a member of only one service association or union at a time.
DDOs must ensure that membership fee deductions are made for just one association per employee, preventing duplication or conflicting entries.
DDOs Must Submit Verified Member Details to DoPT
In addition to fee deductions, DDOs are required to compile and submit membership details in the following structured proforma:
- Name of Ministry/ Department/ Organisation
- Name of Association/ Union for which the fee is deducted
- S.No.
- Employee Name
- Designation
- Employee Code
- Annual Membership Fee Deducted (in ₹)
The information must be prepared separately for each designation and sent to the DoPT at the earliest.
Conclusion
The latest DoPT OM strengthens transparency in recognizing service associations under the CCS RSA Rules. By clearly defining the procedures for membership verification and annual fee deduction, the government ensures a fair and accountable process for all CSS, CSCS, and CSSS employees. DDOs now play a crucial role in implementing these rules accurately and promptly.