Maharashtra Postal Circle Split: Concerns Raised Over GDS Promotions and Staff Rights
Anil Desai Urges Centre to Halt Proposed Bifurcation of Maharashtra Postal Circle
Mumbai, September 7, 2026: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Member of Parliament Anil Desai has urged Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia to intervene in the proposed bifurcation of the Maharashtra Postal Circle and retain it as a single, integrated administrative entity.
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In a letter addressed to the Union Minister, Desai said the proposal could have implications for postal operations, employee career opportunities, Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) promotions and local employment opportunities. The representation was made following concerns raised by the Joint Action Committee of Postal Employees’ Unions (JCPE), Maharashtra & Goa Circle.
Concerns Over the Proposed Bifurcation
One of the principal arguments raised in the letter is that postal circle boundaries have historically followed State boundaries. The letter refers to the creation of separate postal circles following the formation of Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, and argues that creating two postal circles within an undivided Maharashtra would represent a departure from that precedent.
Impact on Integrated Postal Operations
The letter highlights the interconnected nature of Maharashtra's postal network, comprising Post Offices, Railway Mail Service (RMS), Mail Motor Service (MMS), Sorting Offices, National Sorting Hubs and Parcel Hubs.
According to the representation, bifurcation could require changes to existing mail transmission systems, Real-Time Networks, MMS schedules and inter-office coordination. It also raises concerns regarding air and sea postal dispatches through Mumbai's international gateways.
Decentralisation Without Creating a New Circle
Desai's letter suggests that some of the administrative issues cited in support of decentralisation could instead be addressed by delegating greater statutory, financial and disciplinary powers to the existing Regional Postmasters General (PMGs).
The letter argues that such delegation could address issues such as delayed sanctions, extensive travel and slow decision-making without creating another separate administrative structure.
Demand to Retain Miraj-BM RMS
Another major issue raised is the proposed dissolution and merger of the Miraj-BM RMS unit.
The representation states that the unit plays an important role in mail transit and sorting in southern Maharashtra and argues that its importance should be assessed on factors including geography, transit volumes and delivery timelines rather than solely on the availability of an L-1 Sorting Hub.
Concerns Regarding Thane Division
The letter also refers to the long-pending demand for a dedicated Welfare Division for Thane, citing the region's population growth and industrial development.
It states that additional administrative support would help provide oversight for expanding parcel and delivery operations and assist frontline postal employees.
Impact on GDS Promotions and Employment Opportunities
The representation raises concerns about the possible effect of bifurcation on departmental promotional opportunities available through Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCE) to Gramin Dak Sevaks.
It argues that dividing the existing promotional pool between two smaller circles could reduce the number of vacancies available within each circle. The letter also raises concerns regarding local employment opportunities, noting that recruitment through the Staff Selection Commission is conducted on an all-India basis.
Additional Administrative Expenditure
According to the letter, establishing another postal circle would involve additional expenditure for administrative infrastructure, including a new Chief Postmaster General's office, financial and accounts wings, personnel establishments and civil/electrical infrastructure.
Instead, it recommends prioritising the filling of vacant positions in RMS, MMS, Post Offices and Sorting Units to address workload pressures on existing staff.
Key Demands
The representation places the following demands before the Ministry of Communications:
- Halt proceedings relating to the proposed bifurcation of the Maharashtra Postal Circle.
- Protect the promotional prospects, seniority and LDCE opportunities of existing employees and GDS staff.
- Retain the Miraj-BM RMS unit and reconsider its proposed dissolution.
- Fill vacant posts in Post Offices, RMS, MMS and Sorting Units before undertaking major structural reorganisation.
- Maintain Maharashtra Postal Circle as a single, integrated administrative entity.
A Call for Review
The letter concludes by requesting the Union Communications Minister to review the matter on priority, citing the potential implications for postal infrastructure, employees, GDS personnel and the public. It calls for maintaining the Maharashtra Postal Circle as a single administrative entity while addressing operational and staffing requirements within the existing structure.
Source: Representation dated 7 September 2026 from Shri Anil Desai, Member of Parliament, addressed to the Union Minister for Communications.