Gramin Dak Sevaks Financial Upgradation Scheme 2024 ~ India Posts' Retired Officers' Association

Sunday, 13 April 2025

Gramin Dak Sevaks Financial Upgradation Scheme 2024

1. Introduction

The Department of Posts, Government of India, has introduced the Gramin Dak Sevaks (Grant of Financial Upgradation) Scheme, 2024 (GDSFU) through Office Memorandum (OM) No. 17-31/2016-GDS dated 15.03.2024. The scheme aims to provide financial benefits to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) based on their years of continuous service. It is designed to recognize and reward long-term service while ensuring efficiency and accountability.

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2. Objective

The primary objective of the GDSFU Scheme is to grant fixed financial additions to the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) of GDS employees upon completing 12, 24, and 36 years of continuous engagement. This is intended to:

Motivate GDS employees by providing incremental financial benefits.
Improve service efficiency and performance.
Ensure retention of experienced personnel in rural postal services.

3. Key Features of the Scheme

3.1 Financial Benefits

After 12 years: Fixed addition of ₹360 per month to TRCA.
After 24 years: Cumulative fixed addition of ₹820 per month (₹360 + ₹460).
After 36 years: Cumulative fixed addition of ₹1,420 per month (₹360 + ₹460 + ₹600).

Note:

The fixed additions are not linked to Dearness Allowance (DA) and do not count for annual TRCA increases.
Benefits are retrospective for eligible GDS employees as of the scheme's introduction date.

3.2 Eligibility

Applicable to all regularly engaged GDS under the GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules.

Exclusions:

GDS with pending disciplinary/criminal proceedings.
Those under "Put Off Duty" status.
GDS serving minor/major penalties (except censure).

3.3 Continuous Engagement Criteria

Breaks in service (e.g., unauthorized absence, Put Off Duty) are excluded unless condoned by competent authorities.
Condoned periods do not count toward service length but do not forfeit past service.

4. Implementation Mechanism

4.1 Screening Committee

Composition: 3 members (Dy. SP/ASP/Inspector level) nominated by divisional/unit heads.
Functions:

Review Special Performance Reports (Annexure-I) for eligible GDS.

Ensure completion of refresher training on the Dak Karamyogi e-learning platform.
Meet twice a year (July for Jan–June cases; January for July–Dec cases).
Issue orders by 31st July/31st January.

4.2 Special Performance Report

Includes parameters like:

Vigilance status.
Training completion.

Knowledge of postal schemes (e.g., PoSB, PLI).
Performance in marketing, delivery, and technology use (e.g., handling departmental devices).

4.3 Grievance Redressal

GDS may appeal rejections to higher authorities (e.g., Regional DPS/PMG) within 3 months (extendable under exceptional circumstances).

5. Illustrative Examples

First Upgradation (12 years):

TRCA: ₹13,880 → Fixed addition: ₹360. Total earnings: ₹14,240 + DA.

Second Upgradation (24 years):

TRCA: ₹23,860 → Fixed addition: ₹820. Total earnings: ₹24,680 + DA.

Third Upgradation (36 years):

TRCA: ₹34,440 → Fixed addition: ₹1,420. Total earnings: ₹35,860 + DA.

Note: Annual TRCA increases do not affect the fixed additions.

6. Important Conditions

Training Mandate: Financial benefits are withheld if refresher training is incomplete (though accrued from the due date).
Pending Proceedings: Benefits are deferred until resolution/penalty expiry.
Repatriation Clause: GDS on deputation (e.g., APS/IPPB) receive benefits only upon returning to GDS roles (no arrears).

7. Conclusion

The GDSFU Scheme, 2024, is a structured initiative to enhance the financial well-being of GDS employees while aligning their performance with organizational goals. By linking benefits to service duration and efficiency, the scheme ensures a fair and motivating environment for rural postal service providers.

Effective Date: The scheme is operative from 15.03.2024.

Annexures: