Introduction
The Circle Welfare Fund for Gramin Dak Sevaks (CWFGDS) is a revised welfare scheme introduced by the Department of Posts, Government of India, to support Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) working in rural postal networks. This scheme, effective from July 1, 2024, replaces previous welfare orders and includes financial grants, low-interest loans, and retirement benefits.
Key Features of CWFGDS
- Objective
- Provide financial assistance to 2,67,836 GDS managing 1,39,891 Branch Post Offices across India.
- Ensure welfare support for medical emergencies, education, accidents, and retirement.
- Mandatory Membership
- Applicable to all regularly engaged GDS (excludes substitutes or provisional appointees).
- Subscription: ₹40/month (₹480/year), recovered in a lump sum in April.
- Three Key Components
- Financial Grants (e.g., death benefits, medical aid, scholarships).
- Low-Interest Loans (5%) (e.g., for housing BPOs, vehicles, laptops).
- Retirement Lump Sum for GDS who never claimed benefits.
Financial Grants Under CWFGDS
| Purpose | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Death during duty | 11,000 |
| Death due to terrorism (on duty) | 1,65,000 |
| Accident on duty | 27,500 |
| Major surgeries (e.g., heart/knee) | 22,000 |
| COVID-19 treatment | 50,000 |
| Educational scholarships (IIT/IIM) | 1,100/month |
| Natural calamities (floods/fire) | 5,500 |
Conditions:
- Grants are one-time per category.
- Applications must be submitted within 3 months of the incident.
Low-Interest Loans (5% p.a.)
| Purpose | Max. Loan (₹) | Repayment Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Construction of BPO room + toilet | 50,000 | 56 months (₹1,000/month) |
| Purchase of scooter/motorcycle | 20,000 | 21 months (₹1,000/month) |
| Laptop/computer | 20,000 | 21 months (₹1,000/month) |
| Mobile/tablet | 10,000 | 21 months (₹500/month) |
- Minimum 5 years of service.
- Surety from 2 permanent employees required.
Retirement Benefits
- GDS who never availed grants/loans receive a lump sum at retirement:
| Service Years | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| 5 years | 1,000 |
| 20 years | 4,500 |
| 30 years | 6,500 |
| 45+ years | 11,000 |
Application Process
- For Grants/Claims:
- Submit Form-II (Annexure-D) with supporting documents (e.g., death certificate, medical reports).
- Verified by Divisional Head and forwarded to the Regional Committee.
- For Loans:
- Use Form-VII (Annexure-I) for vehicles/laptops or Form-V (Annexure-G) for BPO construction.
- Approval by Regional PMG/CPMG.
- Timelines:
- Committee meets quarterly (January–March cases decided by April).
Important Guidelines
- Fund Utilization Limits:
- 25% for medical/accident cases.
- 20% for education scholarships.
- 25% for loans.
- Audit: Annual audit by June 30; funds invested in government-approved institutions.
Conclusion
The CWFGDS is a transformative scheme for GDS, offering financial security, education support, and low-cost loans. By decentralizing power to Regional PMGs, it ensures faster decision-making. GDS are encouraged to subscribe promptly and leverage these benefits for long-term welfare.
Keywords:
- Gramin Dak Sevaks Welfare Fund
- GDS Financial Assistance
- Postal Department Schemes
- Low-Interest Loans for GDS
- CWFGDS Benefits 2024
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