Strong objection to implement IDC in Post Offices & Request to halt implementation

All India Gramin Dak Sevaks Union (AIGDSU) Regarding Independent Delivery Centres (IDCs) and Centralized Delivery System

1. Introduction

The All India Gramin Dak Sevaks Union (AIGDSU) has addressed a formal letter (Ref: No. GDS/CHQ/9/3A/2024, dated 28-03-2025) to Ms. Vandita Kaul, Secretary, Department of Posts, expressing strong objections to the implementation of Independent Delivery Centres (IDCs) and the centralized delivery system. The union highlights critical concerns about worker welfare, unfair wages, infrastructure gaps, and lack of consultation, urging the Department to halt the rollout until these issues are resolved.

2. Key Concerns Raised by AIGDSU

A. Exploitative Working Conditions in IDCs

• 4-Hour Workday with Low Wages: GDS employees in metro cities (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai) are restricted to 4-hour shifts with wages insufficient to cover high living costs.
• Demand for Parity: The union demands 7-8 hour workdays with wages and benefits equivalent to departmental employees.
• Modernization vs. Reality: The Department’s claim of IDCs as "modernization" contradicts the poor working conditions imposed on GDS workers.

B. Lack of Infrastructure and Safety Risks

• Personal Vehicles for Deliveries: GDS workers use private vehicles in heavy traffic/extreme weather, risking safety without compensation.
• No Official Transport: The Department fails to provide two-wheelers or logistics support, increasing operational burdens.
• Unrealistic Workload Norms: Current norms ignore factors like traffic delays, seasonal challenges, or delivery complexity.

C. Displacement and Systemic Neglect

• Threat to Existing Staff: IDCs may sideline departmental employees or force GDS into roles beyond their mandate.
• Unfulfilled Promises: The Justice Talwar Committee’s recommendations (time-bound promotions, financial upgradation) remain ignored.
• Tokenistic 3% Increment (March 2024): The raise was not linked to Basic Pay or DA, reflecting indifference to meaningful reforms.

3. Union’s Demands

• Immediate Halt to IDC implementation until proper consultations are held.
• Revised Wage Structure: Ensure full-time wages (7-8 hours) and benefits parity with regular staff.
• Infrastructure Support: Provide official vehicles (two-wheelers) and safety gear.
• Workload Norm Reforms: Adjust norms based on ground realities (traffic, weather).
• Implementation of Justice Talwar Committee Report: Address long-pending demands for career progression.

4. Broader Implications

• Worker Dignity at Stake: The letter emphasizes that postal workers are not "cogs in a machine" but individuals deserving fair treatment.
• Risk to Postal Service Efficiency: Alienating GDS employees—who form the backbone of rural postal networks—could disrupt last-mile delivery.
• Reputation of India Post: Failure to address grievances may erode trust in the "Dak Seva Jan Seva" ethos.

5. Conclusion

• The AIGDSU’s letter underscores a critical disconnect between policy decisions and ground-level worker welfare. The Department must:
• Pause IDC expansion and engage in inclusive dialogue with unions.
• Implement equitable policies to ensure sustainable and dignified working conditions.

Call to Action:

• The Department of Posts should issue an official response addressing each concern.
• Media and Public Awareness: Highlight these issues to garner support for GDS rights.

Attachments:

Copy of AIGDSU’s letter (Ref: No. GDS/CHQ/9/3A/2024).

Justice Talwar Committee Report (for reference).

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