Revised Schedule of Engaging Authority of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) | Rule 31 of GDS

Department of Posts Revises SEDA for All Categories of GDS Under Rule 31 of GDS Rules, 2020

Dated: 26 November 2025 | New Delhi

The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, has issued a significant update regarding the Schedule of Engaging Authority, Disciplinary Authority, and Appellate Authority (SEDA) applicable to all categories of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS). The revision has been made under Rule 31 of the GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020 and comes into effect immediately.

Download Revised Schedule of Engaging Authority of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) | Rule 31 of GDS in PDF

This update replaces the earlier SEDA structure issued through Office Memorandum No. 17-31/2016-GDS dated 28 July 2020.

Why the Revision Was Needed

The GDS workforce forms the backbone of postal operations at the grassroots level. Over time, administrative structures and disciplinary authority levels required alignment with the evolving organizational hierarchy.

The revised SEDA aims to:

✔ Bring clarity in disciplinary processes

✔ Ensure uniformity across all divisions and units

✔ Speed up engagement and disciplinary decision-making

✔ Properly streamline appellate responsibilities

Key Highlights of the Office Memorandum

1. Revision of SEDA for All GDS Categories

The Department has completely updated the earlier schedule and issued a revised list of:

• Engaging Authorities

• Disciplinary Authorities

• Appellate Authorities

This revised schedule applies to all categories of GDS, including BPMs, ABPMs, and Dak Sevaks.

2. Existing disciplinary cases

The OM clarifies how ongoing disciplinary matters will be handled:

a. Cases already initiated

➡️ Proceedings will continue normally.

b. Penalties yet to be imposed

➡️ The penalty will be awarded as per the Revised SEDA.

c. Appeals against punishments already given

➡️ Appeals will be decided as per the old (pre-revised) SEDA.

This ensures procedural fairness while smoothly transitioning to the new framework.

Structure of the Revised SEDA (Annexure)

The updated schedule specifies the correct authority at each level. Highlights include:

1. For GDS engaged in Sorting Offices / RMS / Units headed by PS Group-B or JAG

• Engaging Authority:
  Head of Division/Unit/Independent Unit

• Disciplinary Authorities:

  • Sr. Postmaster / Dy. Chief Postmaster / Supt (Sorting) for GDS within the same office

  • HSG-I PM for GDS within their office

  • Sub-Divisional Head for Postal Divisions

  • JTS/STS-level officers for other units (MMS, PSD, etc.)

• Appellate Authority:
  PMG or DPS (depending on availability of DPS in the Region)

2. For GDS engaged in Units headed by JTS/STS/PS Group-‘B’

• Engaging Authority:
  Head of Division/Independent Unit

• Disciplinary Authorities:

  • Assistant Director / JTS/STS/PS Group-B–equivalent officers

  • Sub-Divisional Head for Postal side cases

  • RMS/PSD/MMS officers for their respective units

• Appellate Authority:
  PMG / DPS Region

Circulation and Implementation

The OM has been circulated to:

• All Chief PMGs and PMGs

• Members of the Postal Services Board

• RAKNPA, PTCs, CEPT, NICF

• All GM (Finance), DAPs, DDAPs

• APS, Vigilance, Audit wings

• All recognized GDS Unions

CEPT Mysuru has been instructed to upload the order on the India Post website.

Also, the OL (Hindi) Section has been directed to provide Hindi translation of the OM.

Conclusion

The revised SEDA marks a major step in modernizing the administrative framework for Gramin Dak Sevaks. By streamlining the disciplinary and appellate channels, the Department aims to ensure:

✔ faster decision-making

✔ administrative consistency

✔ enhanced transparency

✔ better accountability

This revision strengthens the governance structure for more than 2.7 lakh GDS personnel across India and enhances the overall efficiency of postal operations.

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