To enhancing productivity of GDS (Gramin Dak Sevaks) in Departmentof Posts

Government of India Enhances Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Productivity Through Household Survey

The Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts, has launched a household survey to assess and improve Post Office services in rural areas via Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS). Key highlights include:

• Mobile App Development: CEPT is creating a survey app integrated with DARPAN 2.0, set for release by 01.04.2025.
• Training & Implementation: Master Trainers (nominated ASPs/ADs) will conduct online training for Sub-Divisional Heads, who will then train GDS staff.
• Target Groups: The survey covers farmers, artisans, government servants, Sarpanch, defence personnel, shopkeepers, students, and entrepreneurs for inclusive rural representation.
• Pilot & Final Survey: 5 villages per Circle will undergo a pilot survey, followed by a final survey covering 20 households per Branch Office (2 per village).
• Timeline: The household survey must be completed by 31.07.2025, with data analysis concluding in 20 weeks.
• This initiative aims to boost rural postal service efficiency and expand India Post’s reach through digital integration and community feedback.

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F No. 10-01/2025-RB
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
(RB & Planning Division)

Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg,
Dated at New Delhi the -17.03.2025

To,
All Chief Postmasters General

Subject: To enhancing productivity of Gramin Dak Sevaks -reg.

Also read :Resolving COD Article Delivery Issues

Ref: 4th Review meeting taken up on 25.02.2025 by Hon’ble Ministry of State for Communications & Rural Development.

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With reference to the meeting on the subject above, it has been decided to conduct a household survey on the usage of Post Office services through Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) to enhance the productivity of the GDS.

2. In this regard, following action points are submitted for information and necessary action:

(i) CEPT is developing a mobile application for household survey integrated with DARPAN 2.0. which will be ready by 01.04.2025.
(ii) The survey questionnaire is easy to operate, largely consisting of drop-down menus. (Survey questionnaire is enclosed)
(iii) Online training of Master Trainers of all Circles will be imparted by CEPT.
(iv) Circles will nominate one ASP/AD from each Region for training as master trainers. The master trainers will in turn, impart training to all Sub-Divisional Heads. Further, these trained Sub Divisional Heads will impart training to GDS in the BOs.
(v) CEPT will also provide training material/ppts for the training.

3. Targeted population for the Survey will be Farmers, Artisans, Government Servants, Sarpanch, Defence Personnel, Shopkeepers, Students and Entrepreneurs etc. The survey should cover all sections of the society and should be fully representative of the rural community.

4. Pilot survey will be conducted in 5 villages from each Circle (to be identified by the Circles).

5. Final survey will be conducted for 20 households per Branch Office (at least 02 in each village under the BO).

6. Household survey shall be completed by 31st July 2025. Tentative timelines are enclosed.

7. In view of above, it is requested to nominate and provide details of one master trainer from each Region in your Circle and also identify 5 villages for the pilot survey by 31.03.2025.

This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.

Enc: as above

Yours sincerely,

Also read :Issues faced in Darpan application v2.0

Dhammajyoti Ramdas Gaibhiye
Director (RB & Planning)

Copy to:
GM CEPT-
i. For development for survey app by 31.03.2025.
ii. For providing a dashboard for survey analysis to Directorate.

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Survey of households in villages to assess the penetration of Departmental and IPPB schemes

Activities and Timelines is as below:

S No.	Action to be Done	Time Lines
1	CEPT to develop the survey App and integrate it with DARPAN / PMA	By 01.04.2025
2	Training to Master Trainers and all end-users in all Circles	04 Weeks
3	Pilot survey in 5 villages from each Circle (to be identified by the Circles)	01 Week
4	Analysis of the pilot survey	01 Week
5	Finalization of survey questions based on result of pilot survey.	01 Week
6	Final survey to cover 20 households in each BO (at least 02 in each village under the BO).	09 Weeks
7	Analysis of final survey	04 weeks
	Total	20 Weeks

Note:-

i) App will be ready by 1st April, 2025.
ii) Targeted population for Survey will be Farmers, Artisans, Government Servants, Sarpanch, Defence Personnel, Shopkeepers, Entrepreneurs & Students etc. It should be ensured that all sections of the society are duly represented in the survey.
iii) It is estimated that administering of survey per individual will take approx. 15 minutes.