The Department of Posts has introduced a new initiative called the ‘GDS Adalat’ to address the grievances of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) promptly and effectively. Modeled after the ‘Staff Adalat’, the GDS Adalat will be conducted at both Circle and Regional levels, chaired by the Chief Postmaster General (CPMG) and Postmaster General (PMG), respectively. These sessions will be held twice a year on a half-yearly basis, with the first cycle spanning January to June and the second from July to December. The Adalat will ideally be conducted on the same day as the Staff Adalat to streamline operations.
The GDS Adalat aims to resolve issues such as non-payment or delays in GDS Gratuity, Severance Allowance, SDBS, and GDS-GIS, as well as delays in regularizing put-off periods and handling requests for condonation of unauthorized absences or absences beyond 180 days. Delays in the settlement of Rule 10 inquiries can also be addressed. While these are common examples, the Adalat will consider other relevant grievances as well. However, it will not serve as an appellate body for disciplinary matters or other issues that competent authorities have already decided.
Participation in the GDS Adalat is entirely voluntary, and attendees will not receive travel or daily allowances (TA/DA) or Special Casual Leave for attending. Minutes of the sessions must be documented and submitted by the Circles to the Deputy Director General (Establishment, DE & Legal) by 30th June and 31st December each year for the respective half-yearly periods. This initiative, approved by the competent authority, is a significant step towards improving the grievance redressal process for GDS employees and ensuring administrative efficiency.
