To
The Secretary (Posts),
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001.
No. CHQ/POA/20/2025-2027 Dated
13.03.2026.
Subject: Request for reconsideration of Directorate
O.M. No. 17-31/2016-GDS (Pt) dated 26.11.2025 regarding revision of Schedule of
Engaging Authority under Rule 31 of GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020.
Respected Madam,
On behalf of the members of this Association,
we most respectfully submit this representation regarding Directorate O.M.
No. 17-31/2016-GDS (Pt) dated 26.11.2025, issued under Rule 31 of the
GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, revising the Schedule of
Engaging Authority, Disciplinary Authority and Appellate Authority (SEDA)
for Gramin Dak Sevaks.
The revised order appears to centralize the
powers relating to engagement of Gramin Dak Sevaks other than BPM at the
Divisional level. While the intention of streamlining administrative
processes is appreciated, the Association would like to submit certain
practical concerns arising from this change.
1. Increased
administrative workload at Divisional level
Divisional Heads are already entrusted with extensive responsibilities
relating to establishment administration, financial management, vigilance
matters, disciplinary proceedings, monitoring of operational performance,
implementation of departmental schemes, inspection of major offices and overall
supervision of postal operations in the Division.
Moreover, Divisional Head supervises several Sub-Divisions, dozens of
Departmental Post Offices and a large number of Branch Offices.
Centralizing the powers of engaging authority for all categories of GDS at the
Divisional level will considerably increase the administrative burden of
Divisional Heads and may result in delays in handling engagement, leave and
disciplinary matters relating to GDS staff.
Handling and updation of huge number of PF of the GDS at Divisional
level will be herculean task and difficult to update their leave and
disciplinary action related records PFs.
2. Supervisory and
inspection role of Sub-Divisional Heads
Sub-Divisional Heads (Inspectors of Posts / Assistant Superintendents of
Posts) are the immediate controlling and inspecting authorities of Branch
Offices and Gramin Dak Sevaks. They regularly conduct inspections of Branch
Offices, monitor the performance of GDS officials and ensure compliance with
departmental rules and procedures.
Since Sub-Divisional Heads maintain close operational supervision and
have first-hand knowledge of vacancy positions, local conditions and the
working of Branch Offices, they are in a much better position to deal with
matters relating to engagement and administration of GDS other than BPM.
3. Administrative
capacity available at Sub-Divisional offices
Nowadays, in most of the Sub Divisions, clerical assistants have been
provided to Sub-Divisional offices, which has strengthened their
administrative capacity. With this support system, Sub-Divisional Heads are
effectively managing administrative tasks such as:
- Maintenance of reservation rosters
- Processing of leave cases
- Handling disciplinary proceedings
- Maintenance of engagement records and
service particulars of GDS officials
Therefore, Sub-Divisional offices are administratively well equipped to
continue discharging the functions of Engaging Authority for GDS other than
BPM.
4. Need for prompt
decisions for smooth functioning of Branch Offices
Branch Offices are primarily located in rural and remote areas and
depend entirely on GDS staff for providing essential postal services to the
public. Engagement and substitution matter often require prompt
administrative decisions to ensure continuity of services.
Centralization of engagement powers at the Divisional level may lead to
procedural delays which could adversely affect the functioning of Branch
Offices and the delivery of postal services in rural areas.
5. Effectiveness of
the earlier decentralized system
The earlier arrangement, under which Sub-Divisional Heads functioned
as Engaging Authority for GDS other than BPM, had been working efficiently
for many years. The system ensured quicker administrative action, better
field-level supervision and effective administrative control over Branch
Offices.
In view of the above facts and operational
considerations, the Association most respectfully requests that the Department
may kindly:
- Review and
reconsider the Directorate O.M. No. 17-31/2016-GDS (Pt) dated 26.11.2025 and
- Permit
Sub-Divisional Heads to continue as Engaging Authority for Gramin Dak
Sevaks other than BPM, in
the interest of administrative efficiency, decentralization of powers and
smooth functioning of Branch Offices.
The Association is sanguine that the Department
will consider the genuine concerns of field units and take an appropriate and
favourable decision.
Yours faithfully,
(Rajiv Kumar)
General Secretary
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