GDS Conduct & Engagement Rules 2020 – Complete Guide for Postal Exams By G Senthilkumar

📘 Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) Conduct & Engagement Rules, 2020 – Complete Guide

The Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct & Engagement) Rules, 2020 are the backbone of recruitment, service conditions, duties, and discipline of GDS employees in India. These rules came into force on 14 February 2020 and apply to all categories of GDS.

Download GDS COnduct and Engagement Rules 2020 by G Senthilkumar in PDF

🧾 What is GDS?

A Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) includes:

• Branch Postmaster (BPM)
• Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
• Dak Sevak

These are rural postal employees working under the Department of Posts.

⏱️ Working Conditions

• Maximum duty: 5 hours per day
• Maximum age: 65 years
• GDS are not Central Government employees
• Must have other source of income

🏠 Residence Rule (Very Important)

• BPM must stay in post village within 1 month
• Other GDS must stay within delivery jurisdiction

👉 Violation leads to disciplinary action under Rule 10

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

📌 Age Limit

• Minimum: 18 years
• Maximum: 40 years
• Relaxation:
  • SC/ST: 5 years
  • OBC: 3 years
  • PwD: up to 15 years

📌 Educational Qualification

• 10th pass (SSLC) with:
  • Mathematics
  • English
• Local language up to 10th standard
• Basic computer knowledge required

🚴 Additional Requirement

• Knowledge of cycling is mandatory

💰 Salary (TRCA Structure)

Category	Minimum	Maximum
BPM	₹12,000	₹14,500
ABPM / Dak Sevak	₹10,000	₹12,000

📅 Leave Rules

• Paid leave: 20 days/year
• Emergency leave: 5 days/year
• Maternity leave: 180 days

⚖️ Discipline & Penalties

🔹 Minor Penalties

• Censure
• Recovery of loss
• Withholding TRCA increment

🔹 Major Penalties

• Reduction in TRCA
• Compulsory discharge
• Removal
• Dismissal

👉 Inquiry is mandatory for major penalties

🧑‍⚖️ Termination Rules

• If service < 3 years → 1 month notice
• Immediate termination possible with compensation

🚫 Important Restrictions

GDS cannot:

• Join political parties
• Participate in elections
• Engage in misconduct

👉 Must maintain:

• Integrity
• Devotion to duty
• Good behavior

⚠️ Put-Off Duty (Suspension)

• Allowed during:
  • Disciplinary cases
  • Criminal cases

👉 Compensation:

• 25% TRCA + DA

💼 Benefits

🟢 No Pension

But eligible for:

✔ GDS Gratuity

• Max: ₹1,50,000

✔ Severance Amount

• ₹4,000 per year of service

✔ SDBS Scheme

• Monthly contribution: ₹300 each (Govt + GDS)

🔄 Voluntary Discharge

📌 Normal

• After 20 years service
• Notice: 3 months

📌 Medical

• After 10 years service

👉 No compassionate appointment allowed

📢 Appeal System

• Appeal within 3 months
• Higher authority reviews case

🎯 Key Points for Exams

• Rules started: 14 Feb 2020
• Duty: 5 hours/day
• Age limit: 65 years
• Leave: 20 days/year
• Cycling: Mandatory
• GDS is outside civil service

🧠 Conclusion

The GDS Conduct & Engagement Rules, 2020 define:

✔ Recruitment

✔ Duties

✔ Discipline

✔ Benefits

Understanding these rules is essential for Postal Exams like:

• GDS
• IPO
• PA/SA

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