The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi today has approved the revision in the wage structure and allowances of
Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) of the Department of Posts.
The revision in the wage structure
would entail an estimated expenditure of Rs 1257.75 crore (Non-recurring
expenditure - Rs 860.95 crore and Recurring expenditure of Rs.396.80 crore)
during 2018-19.
3.07 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks will be
benefitted by this wage revision.
Details:
i. Time
Related Continuity allowance (TRCA) structure and slabs have been
rationalised. The total GDSs have been brought under two categories viz.
Branch Postmasters (BPMs) and other than Branch Postmasters namely Assistant
Branch Postmaster (ABPMs).
ii. The
present 11 TRCA slabs will be merged into only three TRCA Slabs with two levels
each for BPMs and other than BPMs.
iii. Introduction
of new Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) will be as below:
Minimum TRCA of two types of proposed
categories of GDSs as per working hours / levels
|
|||
S.No.
|
Category
|
Minimum TRCA for 4 Hours /
Level 1
|
Minimum TRCA for 5 Hours /
Level 2
|
1
|
BPM
|
Rs. 12000/-
|
Rs. 14500/-
|
2
|
ABPM/Dak Sevaks
|
Rs. 10000/-
|
Rs. 12000/-
|
iv. Dearness
Allowance will continue to be paid as a separate component, and also revised
from time to time whenever it is revised for Central Government Servants.
v. It is
decided to continue the calculation of the ex-gratia bonus by applying the
calculation ceiling of Rs.7000 as basic TRCA + DA till such time a new scheme
is devised.
vi. Arrears
for the period 1.1.2016 to the date of implementation will be paid by
increasing the basic TRCA drawn during the period by a factor of 2.57. The
arrears will be paid in one instalment.
- vii. Annual increase at the rate of 3% and the same may be given on 1st January or 1st July of every year as the case may be based on the one time written request of GDSs.
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iii.
A new Risk and hardship Allowance has been introduced. Other allowances Viz.
Office maintenance allowance, Combined duty allowance, Cash conveyance charges,
Cycle maintenance allowance, Boat allowance and Fixed Stationery Charges have
been revised.
Implementation strategy and targets:
The revision would result in
improving the wages, allowances and discharge benefits of Gramin Dak Sevaks
resulting in providing efficient & cost-effective basic postal facilities
in the rural area. The proposed increased emoluments will enable him to improve
his socio-economic standing.
Impact:
The Branch Post Offices are the fulcrum
for provision of Communications and financial services in the village and are
located in remote areas. The Post Master has to deal with large sums while
making payments to customers; hence accountability is already built into his
work. The enhanced remuneration will increase the sense of responsibility.
Moreover, with the roll out of the India Post Payment Bank (IPPB), the CDS
network is expected to play a key role in the process of financial inclusion of
the rural population.
Background:
The Extra Departmental system in the
Department of Posts was established more than150 years ago to provide basic,
economical and efficient postal services in the rural areas where there was no
justification for engaging full time regular employees. One Lakh Twenty-Nine
Thousand Three Hundred forty-six (1,29,346) Extra-departmental Branch post
offices are primarily manned by Gramin Dak Sevak Branch Postmasters. In
addition, Gramin Dak Sevaks other than Branch Postmasters are also working in
Branch, Sub and Head Post offices. The main features of the engagement of
Gramin Dak Sevaks are that they work for part time ranging from 3 to 5 hours
per day and supplement their income from other vocations so as to have adequate
means of livelihood for themselves and their families. They remain in service
up to the age of 65 years.
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