Guidelines and SOP for Voluntary Dis-engagement of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) 2026

Guidelines for Dis-engagement of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS)

OM No.17-36/2024-GDS, Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts, dated 25-09-2026, issued guidelines for the procedure to be followed for voluntary dis-engagement of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS).
Objective: To ensure uniformity across Circles, safeguard Government interest, verify past work/conduct, and ensure proper handing over of Government money, records, and assets before relief.
Eligibility: Regular GDS may apply after 3 years of continuous engagement with 3 months’ notice (shorter notice may be accepted). Rule 8 of GDS Rules, 2020 allows termination with one month’s notice even before 3 years.
Application: To be submitted in prescribed format (Annexure-I) via controlling authority, including service details, disciplinary/vigilance/criminal cases, dues, and proposed date of relief.
Verification: Past work and conduct checked by Sub-Divisional Head; vigilance clearance required. BPMs handling money/articles undergo quarterly work verification.
Examination: Engaging Authority examines eligibility, conduct, dues, pending cases, and ensures no adverse impact on Government interest.
Disciplinary/Put-off Duty: Requests not accepted automatically; fraud/misappropriation cases ordinarily rejected until resolved.
Pending Document Verification: Educational/caste/antecedent verification must be completed before acceptance. Fake documents lead to action under rules.
Deputation/Officiating: Must revert to original GDS post before relief.
Acceptance/Rejection: Decision by Engaging Authority; communicated in writing. Relief only after formal acceptance and handover.
Withdrawal: Allowed before acceptance; after acceptance but before relief, may be considered favourably. Once relieved, no withdrawal permitted.
Notice Period: Decision taken before expiry; arrangements for manning post ensured.
Recovery of Dues: Any recoverable dues assessed and adjusted before relief.
Handover: All Government property, records, cash, stamps, equipment, ID card surrendered; records updated; GDS ID deactivated.
Entitlements: Benefits regulated strictly under GDS Gratuity, SDBS, GIS, and other admissible schemes.
Effect: Engagement terminated; no right to restoration.
Time Limit: Verification within one month; disposal within notice period.
Responsibility: Sub-Divisional Head ensures timely verification; Divisional Head ensures decision and formalities; Circle Office monitors uniformity.
Annexure-I: Prescribed application form for dis-engagement, including particulars of service, disciplinary/criminal cases, dues, reasons, proposed date, and recommendations.