Charter of Demands by All India Gramin Dak Sevaks Union (AIGDSU)

AIGDSU Charter of Demands: Key Issues & Solutions for GDS Employees

The All India Gramin Dak Sevaks Union (AIGDSU) has submitted a comprehensive Charter of Demands to the Department of Posts, Government of India, highlighting the long-pending issues faced by Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) employees. The demands aim to address systemic inequalities, improve working conditions, and secure fair treatment for GDS employees, who form a crucial part of India's postal network, especially in rural areas. Below is a detailed analysis of the key demands:

1. Pension and Social Security

• Unified Pension Scheme: The union demands the extension of monthly pensions to GDS employees under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) or an equivalent scheme. Currently, GDS employees are excluded from pension benefits, which is a significant disparity compared to regular postal staff.
• Enhanced Insurance and Gratuity: The union seeks an increase in the Group Insurance cover to ₹5 lakhs and the removal of the ₹1.5 lakh cap on gratuity, ensuring better financial security for GDS employees and their families.

2. Working Hours and Pay Parity

• 8-Hour Duty and Pay Scale: The union demands that all GDS employees be granted an 8-hour workday with higher Time-Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA), pay scales, and full service benefits equivalent to regular employees.
• Equal Pay for Equal Work: New recruits engaged for 5-hour work should be granted the same TRCA as regular staff, adhering to the principle of equal pay for equal work.
• Annual Increments: There should be uniformity in annual increments between GDS and regular staff, eliminating discrimination based on workload.

3. Implementation of Kamalesh Chandra Committee Recommendations

• The union urges the immediate implementation of the Kamalesh Chandra Committee's recommendations, which include:
• Rational TRCA Fixation: TRCA should be revised from 01.01.2016, aligning it with the pay scales of regular employees.
• Time-Bound Promotions: Financial upgradation (MACP) should be granted after 12, 24, and 36 years of service, counting towards TRCA, DA, and bonus.
• Leave Encashment: GDS employees should be allowed to carry forward and encash paid leave up to 180 days.
• Medical Facilities: GDS employees and their families should be covered under CGHS or ESI for medical benefits.

4. Workload and Incentives

• Abolition of Incentive-Based Schemes: The union demands that all work performed by GDS—such as IPPB, PLI, RPLI, Savings Schemes, and MGNREGS—be included in workload assessments, eliminating the need for incentive-based targets.
• Infrastructure Support: Branch Offices should be equipped with laptops, printers, and broadband/wireless facilities to improve efficiency and reduce manual workload.

5. Harassment and Victimisation

• End to Unreasonable Targets: The union highlights the harassment faced by GDS due to unrealistic business targets and demands their abolition.
• Withdrawal of Disciplinary Actions: The union calls for the withdrawal of disciplinary actions taken against GDS employees, including the General Secretary and Circle Secretaries, for participating in the strike on 12th December 2023.
• Trade Union Rights: AIGDSU seeks trade union facilities at par with departmental unions to ensure fair representation and advocacy.

6. Opposition to Harsh Punishments

The union condemns the disproportionate punishments meted out to GDS employees under the "graded punishment" system, which often leads to termination without due consideration of their socio-economic conditions. The union demands a more humane and just approach to disciplinary actions.

Conclusion

The Charter of Demands by AIGDSU underscores the urgent need to address the grievances of GDS employees, who have been marginalized despite their critical role in rural postal services. The demands focus on equitable treatment, better working conditions, and social security, aligning GDS employees with the benefits enjoyed by regular postal staff. The union has called for prompt action from the Department of Posts to resolve these issues and avoid further unrest.

The AIGDSU's demands are not just about fairness but also about recognizing the contributions of GDS employees to the nation's postal network. Their implementation would mark a significant step towards inclusive growth and justice for rural postal workers.

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Note: The union has also referenced upcoming meetings, including the Advances Council Meeting in February 2025 and the Annual General Worker Committee meeting in April 2025, as platforms to address these demands. The urgency of the matter is evident, as some issues have been pending for over a decade.