Composite Allowance for Substitute GDS Performing BPM Duties

Composite Allowance for Substitute GDS Performing BPM Duties: Department of Posts Issues New Clarification

Dated: 27 November 2025 | New Delhi

The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, Government of India, has issued an important clarification regarding the payment of Composite Allowance to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) who temporarily perform the duties of Branch Postmasters (BPMs).

Download Composite Allowance for Substitute GDS Performing BPM Duties in PDF

This long-pending issue has been examined, and new guidelines have now been approved by the competent authority to ensure fairness and uniformity in payment.

Background

The Composite Allowance is traditionally granted only to regular BPMs. However, in many practical situations—such as leave, vacancy, unauthorized absence, or put-off duty—other GDS officials like ABPMs and Dak Sevaks are required to perform BPM duties.

Previously, such substitutes were not eligible for the Composite Allowance, even when they handled the full responsibilities of a BPM. This led to repeated representations and requests from staff and unions for equitable treatment.

Key Provisions of the New Order

The Office Memorandum dated 27.11.2025 now clarifies the entitlement conditions:

1. Regular BPM performing duty for any part of the month

If a regular BPM performs duty even for a single day during the month,

➡️ they will receive the full Composite Allowance for that month.

2. BPM absent for the entire month

If a regular BPM does not perform duties at all during the entire month due to:

• Paid leave

• Leave Without Allowance (LWA)

• Unauthorized absence

• Put off duty

• Vacancy of post
  then,
  ➡️ the substitute GDS/ABPM/Dak Sevak performing BPM duties will receive the Composite Allowance on a pro-rata basis.

In such cases,

➡️ the regular BPM cannot claim the allowance for that month.

Significance of This Policy Update

This decision brings several key benefits:

✔ Recognition of actual work performed

Substitute GDS officials who shoulder BPM responsibilities will finally be compensated appropriately.

✔ Fairness and transparency

The allowance is tied to actual duty performed, preventing unjust payment scenarios.

✔ Relief for rural postal operations

Branch Post Offices often handle shortages; this order ensures smoother and more motivated functioning.

✔ Alignment with modern HR principles

The Department reinforces performance-linked and role-based compensation.

Implementation and Communication

The OM has been circulated to:

• All Chief PMGs and PMGs

• BD, Parcel, CCS, and PLI Directorates

• Training centres (PTCs, RAKNPA)

• CEPT units

• Service unions

CEPT has been instructed to upload the circular on the India Post website for public access.

Conclusion

The Department of Posts’ new guidelines mark a positive step towards equity and recognition of GDS staff who take up additional responsibilities. Providing Composite Allowance on a pro-rata basis ensures fairness, boosts morale, and reflects the Department’s commitment to improving service conditions in the rural postal network.

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