No. 17-31/2016-GDS (Substitute arrangement) Government of India Ministry of Communications Department of Posts (GDS Section) Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001 Dated: 21.10.2024
Subject: Guidelines for posting GDSs against leave/absentee MTS/ Postman Staff- reg.
This office is in receipt of references from the service unions, inter-alia, highlighting that the provisions of letter No. 10-07/2001-PE-II dated 02.09.2008 are not being followed in Circle in its letter and spirit.
2. In this respect, it may be noted that the said letter No. 10-07/2001-PE-II dated 02.09.2008, inter-alia, provides that
“The Divisional Heads / Gazetted Postmasters should engage paid substitutes (GDS) against the vacant/absentee/leave post of Group ‘D/Postman in Departmental Post Offices having a combined staff strength exceeding four Gr. 'D' (now MTS)/Postman for a period not exceeding ninety days. However, the permission of Head of Circle/Region is mandatory if the engagement of the paid substitute against the vacant/leave/absentee Postman/Gr. D exceeds ninety days.”
3. When aGDS is posted against the leave vacancies of regular Postman/MTS etc, he/she would need to apply for Leave without Allowance. During such period of leave without allowance, the work of the regular GDS may be managed, either by combination of duties or by posting of substitute GDS to be provided at the risk of the regular GDS, as per guidelines prescribed in this office OM No. 17-31/2016 dated dated 11.02.2023.
4. The above referred stop-gap arrangements may be terminated immediately once the regular MTS/Postman etc. is posted or approval of the competent authority is not accorded beyond the maximum prescribed period of 90 days.
This issues with the approval of the competent authority.
