AIGDSU Demands Three-End Branch Post Offices & Allowances for GDS

ALL INDIA GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS UNION (AIGDSU)

President: B. Venkateshwath
Ms.T Matilda Sreelatha Ji,
Chief Postmaster General,
Jammu & Kashmir Circle,
Dak Bhawan, Srinagar - 190001

It is brought to your notice that in several divisions of Jammu & Kashmir Circle- particularly Udhampur, Rajouri, Jammu and adjoining areas - the earlier structure of three-end Branch Post Offices has gradually been diluted over the years. Where once these were three GDS employees handling the workload, now only single-hand or double-hand arrangements are being made, burdening GDS with unsustainable duties.

In many such BOs, GDS are now covering 14 to 15 villages, and in some places, Branch Postmasters are managing three sets of responsibilities single-handedly, without being granted even combination duty allowance.

It is pertinent to recall that until 1995, three-end BOs were operational, and their establishment was based on sound administrative and geographical reasoning. Even as late as 2008-09, the removal of triple-hand establishments was carried out, which has now proven counterproductive, given the terrain and nature of duties in the region.

At present, the work pressure, coupled with daily harassment and unrealistic targets imposed by local authorities, has led to both mental and physical distress among the GDS cadre.

We, therefore, request immediate re-establishment of three-end Branch Post Offices, especially in heavily burdened and geographically difficult areas. Combination duty allowance must be granted to GDS performing multiple duties single-handedly, in line with fairness and workload. Necessary instructions may be issued to all Divisional Heads to assess and act according to the actual workload conditions of their regions.

Enclosed
Yours faithfully,
(S.S.Mahadevalah)