Request for Grant of Risk and Hardship Allowance to GDS in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Region

Phone no: 23697701

ALL INDIA GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS UNION (AIGDSU)

Central Head Quarters, Padam Nagar, Delhi-110007.

President: B. Venkateshwarlu.

General Secretary : S. S. Mahadevaiah

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Ref: No. GDS/CHQ/TA/17/2/2025 Dated: 09-06-2025

To,
Shri. Ravi Pahwa Ji,
Director (GDS),
Department of Posts,
Dak Bhavan, New Delhi – 110001

Sub: Request for Grant of Risk and Hardship Allowance to GDS in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Region

Respected Sir,

Enclosed herewith is the representation submitted by our Jammu & Kashmir Circle Union regarding the non-grant of Risk and Hardship Allowance to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) working across the region.

You are well aware that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are border areas, largely terrorism-affected, and hilly regions with extremely tough living and working conditions. Recently, in the wake of border tensions between India and Pakistan, several villages have suffered damage including the residences of GDS employees. These GDS officials continue to serve throughout the year under constant threat and stress, despite the hostile environment.

Despite these severe hardships, local authorities have not extended Risk and Hardship Allowance to GDS officials in the region. This step is not only unjust but also demoralising, especially when other similarly situated states like Himachal Pradesh have been granted this allowance.

It is unreasonable to expect GDS employees to risk their lives without even being recognised under the same allowances and protections extended to others working in comparable regions.

We, therefore, request your immediate and personal intervention to ensure that all GDS working in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are brought under the coverage of Risk and Hardship Allowance without delay.

With regards,

Yours faithfully,

(S.S. Mahadevaiah)

General Secretary