Challenges and issues in Mechanizing Postman/GDS-MD Beats

Mechanization Challenges: The Unfeasible Future of Postal Delivery

• The All India Gramin Dak Sevaks Union (AIGDSU) opposes the mechanization of postman and GDS-MD beats, arguing that it's impractical and would negatively impact service quality.
• Unlike private couriers, postal staff handle a much larger volume of diverse mail, covering extensive areas where motorcycles are unsuitable and would damage service reach and reliability.
• Furthermore, the financial burden of requiring staff to purchase and maintain motorcycles is unreasonable, and mechanization would likely create operational challenges and harm the welfare of postal workers.

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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

Ref: No. GDS/CHQ/9/3/2024 Dated: 15-01-2025

Το

The Secretary,

Department of Posts,

Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.

Sub: Challenges and issues in Mechanizing Postman/GDS-MD Beats

Ref: No. 16-02/2024-D Dated 25.10.2024

Respected Madam,

Mechanization of postman and GDS-MD beats, as proposed in the above reference, may seem innovative and novel in theory but is impractical and fraught with challenges. The following points highlight why this proposal is unsuitable:

1. Incomparable Delivery Services: Comparing private courier services, which involve motorcycle-based parcel deliveries, with the noble and extensive work of GDS-MD and Postman staff is misleading. Couriers deliver a limited number of parcels, often requiring motorcycles for efficiency. In contrast, our delivery staff handle a significantly higher volume of registered, speed, and ordinary articles, covering vast areas.

2. Comprehensive Coverage by Delivery Staff: Unlike couriers, our staff deliver articles door-to-door, reaching every street, nook, and corner of urban and rural areas. Motorcycle usage in such detailed delivery beats is not only impractical but also undermines the quality and reach of postal services.

3. Damage to the Credibility of Postal Services: The mechanization proposal risks damaging the credibility and reliability of postal services, which have long been a trusted lifeline for the public. The unique ability of GDS staff to connect with and serve the remotest areas with dedication and accuracy would be compromised.

4. Financial Constraints of Staff: The majority of GDS staff and many postman staff do not own motorcycles, as they struggle to meet daily living expenses. Expecting these employees to procure and maintain motorcycles imposes an unfair financial burden.

5. Negative Impact on Services: Mechanization will create hardships for delivery staff and disrupt the seamless delivery of services. The proposal is likely to crumble under operational and logistical challenges, yielding no tangible benefits.

In light of the above, mechanization of delivery beats is impractical, counterproductive, and risks harming both postal services and the welfare of GDS staff.

We, therefore, request the Department to reconsider and halt the proposal as outlined in the above reference, prioritizing the welfare of staff and the trustworthiness of postal services. With regards,

Yours faithfully,

S.S. Mahadevaiah

General Secretary

- Postal Department

- Mechanization

- Postman

- GDS-MD Beats

- Postal Workers' Welfare

- Service Quality

- Operational Challenges

- India Post

- Postal Reforms

- Labor Issues

- Government Policies