GDS Transfer Rule-3 SOP | APT 2.0 Guide

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling the joining and relieving of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) on transfer under Rule 3 in the new APT 2.0 environment.

📌 Key Directives & Introduction

• The entire process for GDS transfer, including relieving, joining, and cancellation requests, is now online via the Rule-3 transfer portal under APT 2.0.
• This new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is mandatory from the Rule-3 Transfer Cycle of Oct/Nov-2025.
• All stakeholders, including Divisional Heads and Sub-Divisional Heads, must ensure strict compliance. Learn more about the APT 2.0 Portal.

📖 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Summary

(A) On-Request Transfer

• Cancellation Window: A GDS can submit a cancellation request online only within 5 days of the final transfer list being published. No cancellations are accepted after this period.
• Auto-Acceptance: If the Divisional Head does not act on a cancellation request by the last date of relieving, the system auto-accepts it, and the GDS is considered to have used one transfer chance.
• Relieving Orders: From the 6th day, relieving orders can be issued. A system-generated relieving report (as per Annexure-I) must be downloaded, signed, and uploaded to the portal.
• Clearance Check: Before relieving, it must be confirmed that no disciplinary proceedings or vigilance cases are pending against the GDS.
• Female GDS on Maternity Leave: A female GDS on maternity leave is "Deemed Relieved" on the scheduled date but is physically relieved only after she resumes duty. She continues to draw her TRCA from the old office until physical relief.
• Joining Deadline: After relief, the GDS must join the new post within 5 days. The intervening period is treated as leave (paid or LWA - Leave Without Allowance). Failure to join within 5 days results in a break in service unless condoned.
• Joining Report: Upon joining, the joining report (as per Annexure-II) must be updated in the portal immediately. TRCA from the new post starts only after joining.

(B) Mutual Transfer

• Cancellation Rules: The cancellation process and timeline are the same as for On-Request Transfer.
• Chance Forfeiture: Only the GDS who initiates the cancellation loses one transfer chance; the counterpart does not.
• Proposed Relieving Date: If neither GDS cancels, on the 6th day, one Divisional Head must propose a relieving date (PR). The other Divisional Head can accept or modify it (within the schedule).
• Auto-Deemed Relieving: If no PR is initiated, both GDS are "deemed relieved" on the last scheduled date.

Impact of Incidents:

• If one GDS faces promotion, resignation, removal, dismissal, etc., the mutual transfer of the counterpart GDS remains unaffected.
• In case of death, the counterpart's transfer is cancelled to keep the post vacant for compassionate engagement. The counterpart does not lose a transfer chance.

(C) Common Instructions for Both Transfer Types

• No Past Work Verification: GDS must be relieved on the stipulated date; no past work verification should cause delays.
• Document Transfer: The GDS's personal file and records must be sent to the new division within 30 days of relieving.
• Seniority List Update: The Gradation list must be revised to reflect the transfer, noting the date of joining for seniority and departmental examination eligibility.
• No TA/DA: No travel or dearness allowance is admissible for on-request or mutual transfer.
• BPM Transfer Specifics: A GDS transferred to a BPM post must arrange accommodation as per Branch Office standards and undergo prescribed training.
• Educational Qualification: The system will block applications for BPM posts if the GDS lacks the requisite educational qualification (10th class pass).
• Data Scrutiny: Divisions must scrutinize engagement records in APT 2.0 to prevent ineligible transfers.
• Error Correction: For wrong updation of relieving/joining, a correction request must be sent to the Circle office.

📑 Annexures Overview

Annexure-I: Standardized Format for Relieving of GDS. It includes details of the old post, allotted new post, and effective date of relief. View Relieving Format

Annexure-II: Standardized Format for Joining of GDS. It confirms the assumption of charge at the new post. View Joining Format

For the latest updates on GDS policies and postal procedures, always refer to the official India Post website or your departmental circulars.

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