**Executive Summary**
This document is an answer to Unstarred Question No. 1908 in Lok Sabha, scheduled for February 11, 2026, regarding Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS). The questions address the implementation of the Kamlesh Chandra Committee's recommendations, DARPAN device malfunctions, training of postal employees, and revision of working hours and benefits for GDS employees. There is no proposal to revise the working hours or extend social security and medical benefits at par with regular departmental employees at present.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Kamlesh Chandra Committee Recommendations:**
* The Kamlesh Chandra Committee, formed in 2016, examined the wages and service conditions of GDS, making 40 major recommendations.
* The Department of Posts has accepted and implemented most recommendations, but some were not accepted after consideration.
* Representations are received from GDS, including those in Uttar Pradesh, seeking full implementation of all recommendations.
* **DARPAN (DREAM) Device Functionality:**
* The Department of Posts continuously monitors the functioning of DARPAN devices (now known as the DREAM application) and network connectivity in rural areas.
* Technical or connectivity issues in remote locations are addressed promptly and do not pose serious hindrances to banking and insurance services.
* **Training and Capacity Building:**
* Computer knowledge is an essential requirement for GDS engagement.
* Basic training in postal applications, including DARPAN (DREAM), is provided at the time of engagement.
* The Department promotes continuous capacity building through the Dak Karmayogi online learning platform.
* 12,372 postal employees in Uttar Pradesh have been trained through Indian Postal Payments Bank programs in the last two years.
* **GDS Service Conditions and Benefits:**
* GDS employees work part-time (four to five hours per day) and are governed by distinct rules, separate from those of regular departmental employees.
* Their service conditions and social security benefits differ accordingly.
* GDS are covered under schemes like GDS Gratuity, Severance Amount, Service Discharge Benefit Scheme, and GDS Group Insurance Scheme.
* These schemes are reviewed periodically.
* There is no current proposal to revise working hours or extend social security and medical benefits to the level of regular departmental employees.
**Impact Analysis**
**Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS)**
* **Impact:** GDS are directly affected by the implementation (or lack thereof) of the Kamlesh Chandra Committee recommendations. They are also impacted by the functionality of DARPAN devices and the training opportunities available to them. The clarification on working hours and benefits also directly affects them.
* **Action Required:** GDS should stay informed about the Department of Posts' decisions regarding the Kamlesh Chandra Committee recommendations. They should also utilize available training resources and report any issues with DARPAN devices to the Department of Posts.
**Department of Posts**
* **Impact:** The Department of Posts is responsible for implementing the Kamlesh Chandra Committee's recommendations, monitoring DARPAN device functionality, providing training to GDS, and managing GDS service conditions and benefits.
* **Action Required:** The Department of Posts needs to continue implementing accepted recommendations of the Kamlesh Chandra Committee, monitor DARPAN functionality, provide training to GDS, and periodically review GDS benefit schemes.
**Citizens in Rural Areas**
* **Impact:** Citizens in rural areas are indirectly affected by the functioning of GDS and the efficiency of postal services in rural areas. Functioning DARPAN devices, trained postal employees, and the motivation of postal employees all contribute to improved service quality.
* **Action Required:** No specific action is required, but the effective operation of postal services has a significant impact on their access to important services.
Key Entities Referenced
Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS): Rural postal employees whose wages, service conditions, and benefits are discussed.
Kamlesh Chandra Committee: A committee that made recommendations regarding the wages and service conditions of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS).
DARPAN (DREAM Application): An application used by the Department of Posts, monitored for network connectivity in rural areas.
Department of Posts: The governmental department responsible for postal services and related employee matters.
Uttar Pradesh: The Indian state where Gramin Dak Sevaks are demanding implementation of recommendations and where postal employees have received training.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF POSTS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1908
TO BE ANSWERED ON 11TH FEBRUARY, 2026
GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS
†1908. SHRI BABU SINGH KUSHWAHA:
SHRI NEERAJ MAURYA:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:
(a) whether thousands of Gramin Dak Sevaks (rural postal employees) in Uttar Pradesh are
demanding full implementation of the Kamlesh Chandra Committee's recommendations and
departmental employee status and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether technical malfunctions of DARPAN devices and network problems in rural areas are
seriously hindering the performance of banking and insurance services and if so, the details thereof;
(c) the number of postal employees in Uttar Pradesh who have received special training in digital
literacy and Indian Postal Payments Bank services during the last two years; and
(d) whether the Government intends to revise the working hours of postal employees and provide
them with social security benefits such as gratuity and medical facilities at par with departmental
employees and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)
(a) Kamlesh Chandra Committee, constituted in the year 2016 had examined various aspects relating
to the wages and service conditions of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS), including those serving in Uttar
Pradesh Circle, and had made 40 major recommendations. The Department of Posts has accepted and
implemented the majority of these recommendations, while a few were not accepted after due
consideration. From time to time, certain representations are received from GDS, including GDS in Uttar
Pradesh Circle, seeking full implementation of all recommendations of Kamlesh Chandra Committee and
grant of departmental employee status.
(b) The Department of Posts continuously monitors the functioning of DARPAN devices (now
known as the DREAM Application) and network connectivity in rural areas. While occasional technical
or connectivity issues may arise in remote locations, these are addressed promptly and do not pose any
serious hindrance in performance of banking and insurance services.
(c) Knowledge of computer is an essential requirement for engagement of GDS. Basic training in the
use of postal applications, including DARPAN (DREAM Application), is provided at the time of their
engagement. In addition, the Department promotes continuous capacity building through the Dak
Karmayogi online learning platform, which includes courses on digital literacy. During the last two years,
12,372 postal employees in Uttar Pradesh have also been trained through programmes conducted by the
Indian Postal Payments Bank.
(d) GDSs are engaged on a part-time basis for four to five hours per day and are governed by a
separate set of rules, distinct from those applicable to regular departmental employees. Accordingly, their
service conditions and social security benefits are different. GDS are covered under schemes such as
GDS Gratuity, Severance Amount, Service Discharge Benefit Scheme and GDS Group Insurance
Scheme, which are reviewed periodically. At present, there is no proposal to revise their working hours
or to extend social security and medical benefits at par with regular departmental employees.
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