AIGDSU Demands Immediate Reforms for GDS: Training, Travel Allowance & IT Upgrades

Sender:

All India Gramin Dak Sevaks Union (AIGDSU)

Central Head Quarters, Padam Nagar, Delhi-110007

President: B. Venkateshwarlu

General Secretary: S. S. Mahadevaiah

Recipient:

Ms. Vandita Kaul Ji, Secretary, Department of Posts, Dak Bhavan, New Delhi 110001

Subject:Urgent Revision of TA/DA, Leave Arrangements, and Training Infrastructure for GDS Staff – Request for Parity with Departmental Staff

Key Issues Raised:

TA/DA and Leave Parity:

• Orders issued in 2013 granted GDS the same TA/DA and leave benefits as departmental staff but were discontinued without justification.
• Repeated representations have been met with the excuse of "approval pending with the Finance Ministry."
• Demand for benefits at least equal to MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff).

Training-Related Hardships:

• GDS employees are summoned for training without proper travel arrangements, paid leave, or accommodation.
• No paid leave is sanctioned for training periods, unlike departmental staff, discouraging participation.

Digital Infrastructure Deficiency:

• Most Branch Post Offices lack basic tools like laptops, printers, broadband, and mobile devices.
• This deficiency affects efficiency and public trust in IT-based services.

Inadequate Training & No Follow-Up Support:

• Current training duration is only 1 to 2 days, which is insufficient.
• No provision for refresher courses, digital literacy upgrades, or awareness initiatives.
• No separate budget allocated for training.

Demands:

• Implement TA/DA and leave benefits for GDS at par with MTS.
• Approve paid leave and full travel coverage for training days.
• Equip all Branch Offices with laptops, printers, and broadband.
• Increase training duration and allocate separate funds for digital and service-related skill development.

Closing Remarks:

The letter emphasizes that GDS employees are the backbone of rural postal services but are denied basic entitlements. It calls for immediate action to address these disparities and ensure equal service conditions and infrastructure.

Signatory:

S.S. Mahadevaiah

General Secretary