Lok Sabha Question (Q&A) Answer on GDS (Grameen Dak Sevaks) 2022
LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2386 on GDS (Grameen Dak Sevaks) in DOP (Department of Post) 2022.
TO BE ANSWERED ON 21st DECEMBER, 2022
GRAMEEN DAK SEVAKS
2386. SHRI KESINENI SRINIVAS:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has implemented the recommendations given by the Kamalesh Chandra Committee with regards to Grameen Dak Sevaks (GDS):
(b) if so, the details thereof:
(c) if not, the reasons therefor:
(d) whether the Government is planning to regularize the services of Grameen Dak Sevaks. provide pension cover, enhance gratuity cover, increase the number of paid leaves in a year and allow full-time work to GDS: and
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUCATIONS.
(SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)
(a) to (c) The major recommendations of the Committee relating to remuneration, allowances and welfare measures pertaining to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) have been accepted and implemented by the Postal Department. Some of the recommendations could not be implemented due to non-feasibility and not being in consonance with the extant policy/ guidelines of the Government.
(a & (e) No such proposal for regularization of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) is under consideration at this stage, in view of Hon’ble Supreme Court Judgement pronounced in 1977 which held that though the Gramin Dak Sevaks are holders of civil posts, but they are outside the purview of regular civil service.
Department had introduced a Service Discharge Benefit Scheme (SDBS) for the GDS engaged w.e.f 01.04.2011, which is administered by New Pension Scheme (NPS) Trust. The services of GDS are governed under GDS (Conduct & Engagement) Rules, 2020, under which they are paid GDS gratuity at the rate decided by the Government from time to time and are also entitled to paid leave.
