No.

17-30/2019-GDS
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
(GDS Section)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110001
Ddted: 14th February, 2020
To

A11 Chief Postmasters GeneraUPostmasters General

Subject :Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement)

Rules, 2020 - regarding.

Sir/lVladam,

The existing Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and

Engagement) Rules, 2011 has been amended from time to time by issue of
suitable amendments. In supersession of the existing rules issued in 2011, the
Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules,
202O ate hereby circulated by incorporating aII the amendments.

2. In brief, revision/amendments/insertions made in the existing rules are as

follows:-

(i) These rules calied "Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement)
Rules, 2020" containing 31 rules are issued replacing the existing set
of rules called the "Department of Posts", Gramin Dak Sevaks
(Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2011 containing 31 Rules. RuIe 3-
B, 3-C, 7-A, 7-B, 10-A to 10-G, 21-A and 21-B have been inserted as
new rules in the "Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement)
Rules, 2020".

(ii) Rationalisation of existing 5 categories of GDS in 3 categories Viz

Branch Postmasters, Assistant Branch Postmasters and Dak Sevaks
under RuIe 3 (c) with a suitable note below.

b.'
Page 1 of 3
 (iii) Rule below 3-A (vii) has been replaced with appropriate sentence
relating to appiicability of the conditions of residence to Gramin Dak
Sevaks.

(iv) RuIe 3-B and 3-C have been incorporated in connection with
Eligibility Criteria for Engagement to GDS Posts and two types of
Voluntary Discharge Schemes for GDS respectively.

(v) RuIe 4 has been amended by making some modifications.

(vi) Rule- 7 has been amended by incorporating Rule 7-A and Z-B in
connection with 5 days Emergency Leave to GDS and 1-80 days
Maternity Leave to Female GDS.
(vii) Rule-8 has been amended by incorporating some modification and
also a note regarding non eligibility of GDS Gratuity and Severance
amount etc,

(viii) Rule -9 has been amended with regard to Major and Minor penalties.

(ix) Rr:le 12 has been modified for treating the period of Put Off duty in
case the procedure initiated for imposition ofa minor penalty.

(x) Rule 23 has been amended by incorporating treatment of Strike

period.

(*i) RuIe 31 Schedule of Engaging Authority has been amended by

incorporating Disciplinary Authority and Appellate Authority.

(*ii) The words 'Recruiting Authority', 'Recruitment, and ,Service,

whenever appears in the existing rules have been replaced with
words 'Engaging Authority' and 'Engagement,.

(xiii) The Conduct and Engagement Rules,2020 shall be applicable to all

existing categories of GDS including those GDS categories which
have been declared as wasting cadre as long as they remain in
engagement.

3. You are requested to ensure that the enclosed revised set ofRules calied the
Department ofPosts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020
ie further circulated to all concerned in your circle at the earliest and send
confirmation to this office within a week's time.

w
Page 2 of 3
4. Hindi version will follow.
Yours faithfiillv.

U,ld.i*"
(SB Vyavahare)
Assistant Director General (GDSIPCC)
Tele No. 011-23096629
Email-adeeds@indiapost. eov.in

Copy forwarded to:-

1 ST.PPS to Secretary (I'osts)/Sr.PPS to Director General Postal Services

2 PPS/PS to Addl. I)G (Co-ordination)/Membcr(Banking) / Member
(O)/Member(l')/Mcmber(Planning & HRD)/Member (PLI) / Member
('l'ech)
Additional Secretary &
I"inancial Adviser
4 Chief General Manager, BD Directorate/Parcel Directorate/PLI Directorate
5 Director, RAKNPA/GM, CEP'l'/Ilirectors of All PTCs
6 Addl. Director (icneral, Army Postal Service, R.K Puram, New Delhi
7 Sr. Deputy Diru:tor Ceneral (Vigilance) & CVO/Sr. Deputy Director
General (PAI")
8. Director General P&'l' (Audit), Civil Lines, New Delhi
9. Director General, N ICF, Ghitorni, New Delhi
10. All Deputv Directors Gencral
11. All General Managcrs (t"inance) / Directors Postal Accounts / DDAP
tz. All recognized ["oderations /Unions /Associations
13. GM, CEP'| Ibr uploading the orders on the lndia Post web site
14. Hindi Section, Dak Bhawan New Delhi:- for translation of OM.
15. Guard File ),
>1)
1b. Spare copies.
(S B
QL)6t'"1
Vyavahare)
Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)
Tele No. 011-23096629
Email- dpsds@indiaoo .gov.ln

Page 3 of 3
DEPARTMENT OI'POSTS, GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS (CONDUCT AND
ENGAGEMENT) RULES. 2O2O

In supersession of the Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevake

(Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2011 except as respects things done or
omitted to be done before such supersession, the following rules are
issued under the authority of the Government of India.

1. Sho rt fitle and Commencement:-

(r) These rules may be called the Department of Posts, Gramin

Dak Sevaks (Conduct & Engagement) Rules, 2020

(2t They shall come into force on and from the date of their
circulation.

2 Apnlication,-

Ttrese rules shall apply to Gramin Dak Sevaks of Department of

Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India

3. Defrnitions,- In these rules unless the context otherwise

r€QUIreE:-

(d "Engaging Authority' means an authority empowered to

engage GDS on the basis of GDS tConduct and Engagemen!
Rules, 2020

G) "Assistant Superintendent Postsrlnspector Posts" in relation to

a PostaLRailway Mail Service Sub Division, the Asgigtant
Superintendent or Sub-Divisional Inspector or Railway Mail
Service in charge of Sub Division, as the case may bei

(c) "Government" means the Central Governmenti

(d "Gramin Dak Sevak'means: -

(il *a Branch Poetmaeter

(ii) *an Assigtant Branch Postmaster
Giil .a Dak Sevak

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 *Note- 1 , Gramin Dak Sevaks other than Branch Postmasters
(BPMs) and working in Branch Post offrces are desigrrated and
called as "Assistant Branch Postmasters (ABPMs)"

-Note-2 -Gramin Dak Sevaks other than Branch Postmasters

(BPMs) and working in Departmental Post offrceslRMS
Officesrother offices are desigrrated and called as "Dak Sevak.

.The above categories are rationalized vide Department of Posts, OM

No 17-31I2016-GDS dated 25 06 2018 and,2207 2019

(e) "Head of a Circle' means the Head of a Postal Circle and includes
Chief Postmaster-Generali

(0 "Head of a Division- in relation to a Poetal or Railway Mail

Service, the Senior Superintendent or Superintendent of a Postal
or Railway Mail Service Division, as the case may bei

Q) "Head of a Region" in a Postal Circle means Pogtmaster-General

(Reflon);

(h) "Members of the family' in relation to a Gramin Dak Sevak

includes -

O the wife, child or step child of euch Sevak, whether

residing with him or not, and in relation to a Sevak who is a
woman, the husband residing with her and dependent on heri
and

Gil any other person related, whether by blood or by

marriage to such Sevak or to such Sevaks. wife or husband and
wholly dependent on such Sevak, but does not, include a wife
or husband legally separated from such Sevak or a child
or step child who is no longer in any way dependent
upon such Sevak or of whose custody the Sevak has been
deprived by any lawi only widow and dependent Daughter-in,
Iaw.

(i) "Record officer- in relation to Railway Mail Service, the Sub Record
Offrcer or the Head Record Offrcer in charge of a Sub Record Office or
Head Record Officei

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Page 2 of 39
(j) "Sevak' means a person working as a Gramin Dak Sevak;

(k) "Postmaster in relation to a Post Offrce, Gazetted Postmaster,

Postmaster in Higher or Lower Selection Grade, norm based Post Office
(in his own office) except a Postmaster in charge of an A,B &C class Sub
Post Offrce.

NOTE I - The persons holding the posts of Extra-Departmental

Agents under the Posts and Telegraphs Extra-Departmental Agents
(Conduct & Service; Rules, 1964 or Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and
Engagement) Rules, 2001 or Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and
Engagement) Rules, 2011 on regular basis on the date of commencement
ofthese rules shall be deemed to have been engaged to and hold the posts
of Gramin Dak Sevaks in accordance with the provisions of these rulesi

3 A Terms and Conditions of Engaqement:-

(il A Sevak shall not be required to perform duty beyond a

maximum period of 5 hours in a dayi

(ii) A Sevak shall not be retained beyond 65 years ofagei

(iiil A Sevak shall have to give an undertaking that he has other

sources of income besides the allowances paid or to be paid
by the Government for adequate means of livelihood for
himself and his familyi

(iv) A Sevak can be transferred from one posUunit to another

posUunit in public interest/administrative/vigilance
ground;

(v) A Sevak shall be outside the Civil Service ofthe Unioni

(vi) A Sevak shall not claim to be at par with the Central

Government employeesi

(viil Residencein post villagerdelivery jurisdiction of the Post

Offrce within one month after selection but before
engagement shall be mandatory for a Sevak; Failure to
reside in place of duty for GDS BPM & within delivery
jurisdiction of the Post Offrce for other categories of Gramin
Dak Sevaks after engagement shall be treated as violative
of conditions of engagement and liable for disciplinary
action under RuIe 10 of the Conduct & Engagement Rules, ,
requiring removal<Iismissal;
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Page 3 of 39
 (viiil Post Office shall be located in the accommodation to be
provided by Gramin Dak Sevak Branch Postmaster suitable
for use as Post Offrce premises. However, where
accommodation is provided for Post Offrces by the Central,,
State Governmentzlocal GovernmentzVillage Panchayat
etc. the same will be used for Post Office premises.

6.x) Combination of duties of a Sevak shall be permissiblei

3 B Elisibilitv Criteria for Ensasement to Gramin Dak

Sevaks Posts:-

I. Age Limit'

The minimum and maximum age for the purpose of engagement

to GDS posts shali be 18 and 40 years respectively as on the date
of notification ofthe vacancy. Permissible relaxation in upper age
Iimit for different categories as prescribed. are as under:-

SI.No. Category Permissible age

relaxation
1 Schedule Caste/Scheduled Tribe 5 years
(sc/sT)
I Other Backward Classes (OBC) 3 years
3 Economically Weaker Sections No relaxation*
(EWS)
4 Persons with Disabilities (PwD) 10 years+
5 Persons with Disabilities (PwD) + 13 years*
OBC
6 Persons with Disabilities (PwD) + 15 years*
SC/ST

Note:- 1* There wiII be no relaxation in upper age limit to EWS

candidates. However, the persons belonging to EWSs who are not
covered under the scheme of reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs shall get
10% reservation in engagement to Gramin Dak Sevaks posts in the
Department of Posts as prescribed in Directorate letter No 17 -Ogl2OIg
dahed. 26.02.2O19.

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Page 4 of 39
Note:-2* AII engaging authorities shall maintain the above age
relaxation for persons with disability for a1I categories of GDS posts. This
relaxation however is not applicable for persons with benchmark of
disability "Blind", as in place of blind, candidate with I,ow Vision have
been identified as prescribed in Directorate Ietter No. 17-8/2017-GDS
dated. 26.02.2O19. Relaxation in u pper age iimit is subject to the
condition that maximum age of the applicant on the crucial date shall
not exceed 56 years.

[- EducationalQualifrcation'

G) Secondary School Examination pass certificate of

10th standard with passing marks in Mathematics and
English (having been studied as compulsory or elective
subjects) conducted by any recogrrized Board of School
Education of the Government of India/State
Governments/ Union Territories in India shall be a mandatory
educational qualifrcation for aI1 approved categories of Gramin
Dak Sevaks (i.e. BPM, ABPM & Dak Sevak ) as prescribed
from time to time.

(ii) Compulsory knowledge of Local Language

The canfidate should have studied the local language at least

up to 10th standard [as compulsory or elective subjects] as
declared by the State Government or as per constitutional
provisions relating to the 8th schedule of Constitution of India
as prescribed by the Department from time to time.

(iii) Basic Computer Training,

The candidates for all approved categories of GDS referred to

in rirabove will be required to furnish Basic Computer Training
Course Certifrcate of at least 60 days duration, from any
Computer Training Institute run by Central GovernmentlState
Government / Universities / Boards / Private Institutions
Organizations This requirement of basic computer knowledge
certificate shall be relaxable in cases where a candidate has
studied computer as a subject in Matriculation or class XII or
any other higher educational level and in such cases, a
separate certificate will not be insisted upon
nh -_
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Page 5 of 39
III. Residence

The condition of residence shail apply as stipulated in Rule 3-A

(vii) of GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020. The
candidates must provide accommodation for Branch Post Office
after selection but before engagement as prescribed by the
Department from time to time unless accomadation is provided by
other agencies.

ry. Krowledge of Cycling:

Knowledge of Cycling is a pre-requisite condition for all GDS posts.

In case of a candidate having knowledge of riding a scooter or
motor cycle, that may be considered as knowledge of cycling. The
candidate has to submit a declaration to this effect.

V. Adequate means of Livelihood,

The condition of adequate means of livelihood shall apply as

stipulated in RuIe 3-A (iii) of GDS (Conduct and Engagement)
Rules, 2020. However, this condition shall not be a pre-requisite
for candidates for the purpose of applying to the GDS post or
selection there to and the selected candidate shall be required to
comply with this prescribed condition within 30 days after
selection but before engagement. The GDS will also have to ensure
that he/she is having adequate additional means of livelihood
during the period of engagement till his discharge.

VI. Furnishing of Security'

On engagement as GDS, the person so engaged shall be required

to furnish security in such manner as may be prescribed from time
to time.

VII. Fulfillment of other terms and conditions:

Terms and conditions of engagement to GDS posts shall apply as

stipulated in the relevant rules of GDS (Conduct & Engagement)
Rules, 2020 modifred from time to time by the Department of
Posts.

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Page 6 of 39
VIII. Adequate representation of SC/ST/OBC, Persons with Disability
& Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs).

The instructions issued by the Department vide no.19-11/97-ED &

TRG dated 27. 11. 1997, No. 17-08/2017-GDS dated 26.02.2019 and
No.17-09/2019-GDS dated 26.02.2019 providing for adequate
of SC/ST/OBC communities, Persons with
representation
Disability and Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs)
respectively wi-II continue to apply.

x Production of Sc/ST/OBc/Disability/Economically Weaker

Sections Certificate :-

Production of SC/ST/OBC/Disability/EWSs certificate in the

prescribed format would be compulsory in case of such candidates.

X. Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA)

(i) The following Minimum TRCA shall be payable to the

different categories of GDS posts as mentioned in Directorate Order
No 17-31/2016-GDS dated 25.06.201.8 and letter no. 17-2I2018-GDS
dated 22.03.2O19 and as may be prescribed by the Government on
the basis of workload,revenue norms as per the standard of
assessment decided by the department from time to time-

Minimum TRCA of all categories of GDS as per Working

hrs/LeveIs
51.No. Category Minimum MinimumTRCA
TRCA for 4 for 5 HoursAevel
HoursAevel 1 ,
1 BPM Rs.12000/- Rs.14500/-
2 AITPM/Dak Sevaks Rs.100001 Rs.120001

(iil However, in respect of the GDSs engaged on or afber

01 07.2018, the initial fixation of TRCA will be done on the first
stage of Level -1 of the respective category.

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XI. Method of Engagement.

Method of engagement wiII continue to be as online engagement

process for engagement of all categories of GDS as prescribed from
time to time.

(il Exemption of fee for applying on GDS Posts'

Male applicants belonging to the category UR/OBC/EWS

have to pay a fee as prescribed. Payment of fee is exempted
for all female candidates, all SC/ST candidates and all
PwD candidates-

XII. Job Profrle,

(i) BRANCH POSTMASTER (BPM):

The Job Profile of Branch Postmaster will include managing

affairs of GDS Branch Post Office, India Post Payments Bank
(IPPB) and ensuring uninterrupted counter operation during the
prescribed working hours using the handheld device/Smartphone
supplied by the Department. The overall management of postal
facilities, maintenance of records, upkeep of handheld device,
ensuring online transactions, and marketing of Postal, India Post
Payments Bank services and procurement of business in the
villages or Gram Panchayats within the jurisdiction ofthe Branch
Post Office should rest on the shoulders of Branch Postmasters.
However, the work performed for IPPB will not be included in
calculation of TRCA. Since the same is beine done on incentive
basis. Branch Postmaster will be the team leader of the GDS Post
Office and will have overall responsibility of smooth and timely
functioning of Post Office including mail conveyance and mail
delivery. He/she might be assisted by Assistant Branch
Postmaster of the same Branch Post Offiee. BPM will be required
to do combined duties of ABPMs as and when ordered. Hershe will
also be required to do marketing, organizing melas, business
procurement and any other work assigned by
IP/ASP/SPOs/SSPOs/SRII/SSRM etc. In some of the Branch post
Offices, the BPM has to do all the work of BpIWABpM.

M-
Pagc 8 of 39
(ii) AssrsTANT BRANCH POSTMASTER (ABPM):

The Job Profile of Assistant Branch Postmaster will include all

functions of sale of stamps/stationery, conveyance and Delivery of
mail at doorstep deposits/payments/other traneactions under
IPPB, asgieting Branch Postmasters in counter duties using the
handheld device/Smart phone supplied by the Department.
However, the work performed for IPPB will not be included in
calculation of TRCA, since the sap€-ig beinc done on incentive
basis. HerShe will also be required to do marketing, organizing
melas, busineBs procurement and any other work assigned by the
Branch Postmaster or IP/ASP/SPOg/SSPOg/SRNOSSRM etc.
ABPMs will also be requted to do Combined Duty of BPMs as and
when ordered.

(iii) DAX SEVAK

The Job Profrle of Dak Sevaks will include all functions viz sale of
stamps and stationery, conveyance and delivery of mail and any
other duties assigrred by Postmaster/Sub Postmaster including
IPPB work in the Departmental Post Ofnces/RMS. However, the
work performed for IPPB will not be included in calculation of
TRCA" since the same is beine done on incentive basis. HerShe
may also have to assist Postmasters/Sub Postmasters in managing
the smooth functioning of Departmental Post Offices and do
marketing, business procurement or any other work assigaed by
the Postmaster or IP/ASP/SPOs/SSPOs/SRIII/SSRM etc.

3 C Voluntary Discharge Schemes,-

AII categories of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDSs) can avail of the

Voluntary Discharge Scheme on completion of 20 years of engagement
period or on medical grounds as per instructions issued from time to time
by the Department.

4 Engagins Authority
'-
(f) The Engaging Authority in respect of each category of Sevak
shall be as shown in the Schedule annexed to these rules

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Page 9 of 39
 (2) If any doubt arises as to who is the appropriate Authority
in any case, the matter shall be referred to the Director
General (Posts), whose decision thereon shall be final

(g) Notwithstanding anything contained in these rules, any

authority superior to the Engaging Authority as shown in
the Schedule under Rule 31 of GDS (Conduct &
Engagement) Rules, 2020 may, at any time, either on its
own motion or otherwise call for the records reiating to the
engagement of Gramin Dak Sevaks made by the Engaging
Authority, and if such Engaging Authority appears:-

(a) to have exercised a jurisdiction not vested in it by any

law or rules time being in forcei or

6) to have failed to exercise a jurisdiction so vestedi or

(c) to have acted in the exercise of its jurisdiction

illegally or with material irregularity, such superior
authority may, after giving an opportunity of being
heard, make such order as it thinks fit directing the
engaging authority to act under RuIe 8 of GDS
lConduct & Engagement) Rules or to have initiated
action to remove from enagement after following the
procedure laid down under Rule 10 of the Rules
including order for cancellation z rectification of the
engagement process.

5 Powers of the Engagine Authority,

The powers of the Engaging Authority in the matter of awarding

any of the penalties specified in Rule g may be exercised by an authority
which has been shown in the Schedule annexed to these rules or by any
other authority empowered in this behaU by a special order ofthe Head
of the Circle or the Head of the Region under circumstances to be
recorded in writing,

Provided that in no case, the authority so appointed shall be lower

in rank than the authority who originally engaged the Gramin Dak
Sevak.

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6 PensiorvGDSGratuityrSeveranceAmount,

The Garmin Dak Sevaks shall not be entitled to any pension.

However, they shall be entitled to GDS gratuity, Severance amount or
SDBS as may be decided by the Government from time to time.

7 Leave
'

The Gramin Dak Sevaks may be granted paid leave at the rate of
20 days in a year (10 days for every half year) without accumulation or
as may be determined by the Government, from time to time.

Provided that

(d where a Sevak fails to resume duty on the expiry of the

maximum period of leave admissible and granted to
himrher, or

(b) where such a Sevak who is granted leave for a period less
than the maximum period admissible to himther under
these rules, remains absent from duty for any period which
together with the leave granted exceeds the limit up to
which hershe could have been gtanted such leave, hershe
shall, unless the Government, in view of the exceptional
circumstances of the case, otherwise decides, be removed
from engagement after following the procedure laid down in
Rule 10

7-A Emergency Leave :-

Gramin Dak Sevaks shall be entitled for 'Emergency' leave for a

maximum of 5 days in a calendar year, or as may be prescribed by the
Government from time to time.

7-B Maternitv Leave for Female GDS,-

A female Gramin Dak Sevak 1GDSI with Iess than two surviving
children may be granted maternity leave by an authority competent to
grant leave for a period of 180 days from the date of its commencement,
as per instructions issued by the Department from time to time.

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Page ll of39
8. Termination of Engagement,-

(1) The engagement of a Sevak who has not hlready rendered

more than three years' continuous engagement from the date of
his/her engagement shall be liable to be terminated at any time by
a notice in writing given either by the Sevak to the Engaging
Authority, or by the Engaging Authority or any Authority to which
the Engaging Authority is subordinate or any other Authority
empowered in that behalf by the Government, by general or
special order, to the Scvaki

(2) The period of such notice shall be one month

Provided that the engagement of any such Sevak may be

terminated forthwith and on such termination, the Sevak shali be
entitled to claim a sum equivalent to the amount of Basic Time
Related Continuity Allowance plus Dearness Allowance as
admissible for the period of the notice at the same rates at which
hershe was drawing them immediately before the termination of
hisrher engagement, or, as the case may be, for the period by which
such notice falls short of one month

NOTE. 1 : Where the intended effect of such termination has to be

immediate, it should be mentioned that one month s Time Related
Continuity Allowance plus Dearness Allowance as admissible is being
remitted to the Sevak in lieu of notice of one month through money order
NOTE -2 : When engagement of a GDS is terminated under this RuIe,
hershe shall not be eligible for GDS Gratuity and Severance amount etc.

9. Nature of Penalties,-
The following penalties may, for good and sufficient reasons and as
hereinafter provided, to be imposed by the Engaging Authority, namely:-

Minor Penalties

(i) Censurei

(ii) Debarring of aSevak from appearing in the recruitment

examination for the post of Multi Tasking Staff and /or Postman
and /or Mail Guard and/or from being considered for recruitment

eue" rz
[fL.
 as Postal Assistants /Sorting Assistants for a period not exceeding
three yearsi

(iii) Debarring of a Sevak from being considered for recruitment to

Multi Tasking Stalf on the basis of selection-cum-seniority for a
period not exceeding three yearsi

(id Recovery from Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) of the

whole or part of any pecuniary loss caused to the Government by
negligence or breach of ordersi

(v) Withholding of annual increase in Time Related Continuity

Allowance (TRCA) without cumulative effect for a period not
exceeding three yearsi

Major Penalties,

(vi) Reduction to a lower stage in the TRCA slab for a specified period
exceeding three years (not in nature of permanent measure) with
further direction as to whether or not the Sevak will earn annual
increase during the period of reduction and whether on expiry
of such period, the reduction will or will not have the effect of
postponing the future increase of his / her Time Related
Continuity Allowance (TRCA).

(viil Compulsory Discharge from engagement with monetary benefits

(i.e. SDBS etc.) and GDS Gratuity proportionate to engagement
period rendered by GDS, as per conditions laid down in
Department of Posts O.M. No 17-31/2016-GDS dated 27th June,
2018.

(viiil Removal from engagement which shall not be a disqualification for

future engagementi

(i*) Dismissal from engagement, which shall ordinarily be a

disqualifrcation for future engagement.
Note: The Penalty of recovery under RuIe 9 (iv) can be imposed fully
without any restriction

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Page l3 of 39
10-A Procedure for imposing Minor penalty:-

(i) No order imposing any of the penalties specified in Clause (i) to

(v) of Rule 9 shall be passed on a GDS except after:-

(a) The Sevak is informed in writing of the proposal to take action

against him/her and ofthe allegation on which it is proposed to be
taken and given an opportunity to make any representation he/she
may wish to makei and

(b) such representation, if any, is taken into consideration by the

engaging Authority.

10-B. Procedure for imposing Major penalty:-

(i) No order imposing any of the penalties specified in clause (vi) to

(i*) of Rule 9 shall be passed on a GDS except after:-

(d Ttre Sevak is informed in writing of the proposal to take

action against him/her and of the allegation on which it is
proposed to be taken and given an opportunity to make any
representation he/she may wish to makei and

6) such representation, if any, is taken into consideration by

the Enga ging Authority.

Provided that, the major penalty shall not be imposed except after
an inquiry in which he/she has been informed of the charges against
hirr/her and has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in
respect of those charges:

Provided further that where it is proposed after such inquiry, to

impose upon him./her any such penalty, such penalty may be imposed on
the basis of the evidence adduced during the inquiry.

10-C. The record ofproceedinss shall include:-

(i) A copy of the intimation to the Sevak of the proposal to

take action against him/heri
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Page 14 of 39
 (ii) a copy ofthe statement of allegations, along with a list of
evidence in support thereof, communicated to him/heri

(iii) his/her representation, if anyi

(i") the records of the inquiry proceedings along with the

inquiry report of the Engaging Authority or Inquiry
Officer, if any, appointed in a case where a formal inquiry
is necessaryi

(v) the representation, if any of the Sevak on the Inquiry

Officer's reporli

(vi) findings of the Engaging Authority in respect of the

allegationsi

(vii) the order imposing the penalty

10-D. Inquiry has to be conducted even if the GDS accepts the charges
in the cases where major penalty is to be imposed by Engaging Authority.
The purpose of holding inquiry in such cases is primarily to give the GDS
adequate opportunity to defend himselflherself. In case the charge is
accepted by him,/her unconditionally, there would obviously be no need
for an inquiry for imposing major penalty.

10-8. Normally, there is no need for conduct of an inquiry for imposing

minor penalty to GDS. However, where a minor penalty is to be imposed
under Rule 10, it is upto the discretion of Disciplinary Authority to decide
whether an inquiry should be held or not in case of a request by the
delinquent GDS received by the Discipiinary/Engaging Authority. The
implication of this rule is that, on receipt of representation of delinquent
GDS concerned on the imputations of misconduct or misbehavior
communicated to him/her, the Disciplinary/Engaging Authority should
apply its mind to all facts and circumstances and reasons urged in the
representation for holding a detailed inquiry and form an opinion
whether an inquiry is necessary or not. In a case where delinquent GDS
has asked for inspection of certain documents and cross-examination of
the prosecution witnesses, the Disciplinary/Engaging Authority should
naturally apply its mind more closely to the request and should not reject

Pagc l5
W>
the request solely on the ground that an inquiry is not mandatory. If the
records indicate that, notwithstanding the points urged by the
delinquent GDS, the Disciplinary/Engaging Authority could, after due
consideration, comes to the conclusion that an inquiry is not necessary,
it should say so in writing indicating it's reasons, instead of rejecting the
request for holding inquiry summarily without any indication that it
has applied its mind to the request, as such an action could be construed
as denial of natural justice.

10-F. Procedure for imposing penalty after discharge,-

(1) The departmental proceedings under rule 10, if instituted while a

Sevak was in engagement shall after the discharge of the Sevak
on attaining the age of sixty frve years be deemed to be proceedings
under that rule and shall be continued and concluded by the
authority by which the proceedings were commenced in the same
manner as if the Sevak had continued in engagement and in such
case the function of the disciplinary authority shall be only to
reach a finding on the charges and to submit a report recording its
findings to the President and the final decision on such report
shall be taken in the same manner as in the case of review
petitions of the Sevaks addressed to the President and no appeal
shall lie against such decision

Q) The President reserves to himself the right of withholding group

insurance amount, security amount, poslengagement
benefits like ex gratia gratuityrGDS Gratuity and severance
amount of a Sevak, by ordering recovery from these amounts in
case a Sevak is found guilty of grave misconduct or negligence
during the period of his engagement.

(3) For the purpose of this rule, departmental proceedings shaLl be

deemed to be instituted on the date on which statement of charge
is issued to the Sevak or if Sevak had been put off duty, on the date
on which hershe had been so put off.

10-G. Procedure for disciplinary proceedings after discharge:-

1 (a) The departmental proceefings under Rule 10, if not
instituted and the GDS is discharged on attaining of age of 6E
years and hisrher terminal benefrts have not been released on the
ground that, departmental proceedings under Rule 10 were
proposed to be instituted shall be instituted after the fischarge of
the Sevak on attaining the age of Sixty Five years and be deemed
to be proceedings under that rule and shall be continued and ^/
Page16ofje(!v
 concluded by the authority by which the proceedings were
proposed to be instituted and in such case, the function of the
Disciplinary Authority shall be only to reach a finding on the
charges and to submit a report recording its frndings to the
President and the frnal decision on such report shall be taken in
the same manner as in the case of review petitions of the Sevaks
addressed to the President and no appeal shall lie against such
decision.

(b) Provided that, the departmental proceedings are not

instituted while the GDS was in engagement, before his
discharge'-

(il ShaII not be instituted save with the sanction of the

President,

(ii) ShaII not be in respect of any event which took place

more than four years before such institution, and

Giil Shall be conducted by such authority and in such place

as the President may direct and in accordance with the
procedure applicable to departmental proceeding in
which an order of dismissal from engagement could be
made in relation to the GDS during hisrher
engagement.

(c) The President reserves to himsel0herself the right of

withholding security amount, post-engagement benefrts Iike GDS
gratuity and Severance Amount of a Sevak, by ordering recovery
from these amounts in case a Sevak is found guiity of grave
misconduct or negligence during the period of hisrher engagement.

2. For the purpose of this RuIe,-

(i) Departmental proceedings shall be deemed to be instituted

on the date on which the statement of charges is issued to
the Gramin Dak Sevak or discharged Gramin Dak Sevak
or if the Gramin Dak Sevak has been placed under Put Off
Duty from an earlier date, on such datei and

(iil Judicial proceedings shall be deemed to be instituted,-

(a) in the case of criminal proceedings, on the date on which

the complaint or report of a police offrcer, of which the
Magistrate takes cognizance, is made, and
&'l-'
Page 17 of 39
 (b) in the case of civil proceedings, on the date the plaint is
presented in the court.

NOTE:-1-Standard form for issue of charge sheet to GDS under

Minor and Major Penalties are mentioned at Appendix-I to
Appendix-Ill.

11 Provisions of RuIe 10 shall not apply,-

(il Where any penalty is imposed on a Sevak on the ground of conduct

which has led to hisrher conviction on a criminal chargei or

Gi) Where the Authority empowered to dismiss or remove a Sevak is

satisfied that for some reason, to be recorded by that authority in writing,
it is not reasonably practicable to hold such enquiryi or

(iiil Where the President is satisfred that in the interest ofthe security
of the State it is not expedient to follow the procedure prescribed in that
rulei and the Engaging Authority may consider the circumstances of the
case and make such orders thereon as it deems fit

12. Put Off Dutv:-

(1) The Engaging Authority or any authority to which the Engaging

Authority is subordinate or any other authority empowered in that behaU
by the Government, by general or special order, may put a Sevak off
dutyi
(d Where a disciplinary proceeding against him/her is
contemplated or is pendingi or

(b) Where a case against him/her in respect of any criminal

offence is under investigation, inquiry or trial:

Provided that in cases involving fraud or embezzlement, the

Sevak holding any post specified in the Schedule to these rules
may be put off duty by the Inspector of Post Olfices or
the Assistant Superintendent of Post Offices of the Sub-Division,
as the case may be, under immediate intimation to the Engaging
Authority.

Page
U"
l8 of 39
 (2). Where Inspector of Post Offices or the Assistant
Superintendent of Post Offices of the Sub-Division is not the
Engaging Authority, an order made by them under Sub-RuIe (1)
shall cease to be effective on the expiry of fi-fteen days from the
date of such order unless earlier confirmed or cancelled by the
Engaging Authority or the Authority to which the Engaging
Authority is subordinate.

(3) A Sevak shall be entitled to an amount of compensation as

ex-gratia payment equal to 25% of his/her Time Related
Continuity Allowance together with admissible Dearness
Allowance per month for the period of put off duty.

Provided that where the period of put of duty exceeds 90

days, the Engaging Authority or the authority to which the
Engaging Authority or any other authority empowered in this
behalf, as the case may be, who made the order of put duty shall
be competent to vary the amount of compensation for any period
subsequent to the period of first 90 days as follows:-

(i) The amount of compensation as ex-gtatia payment may be

increased by a suitable amount, not exceeding 50% of such
compensation admissible during the period of the first 90
days, if in the opinion of the said authority the period of put
off duty has been prolonged, for reasons to be recorded in
writing, not directly attributable to the Sevak.

6il The amount of compensation as ex-gratia payment may be

reduced by a suitable amount not exceeding 50olo of such
compensation admissible during the firgt 90 days, if in the
opinion of the said authority, the period of put off duty has
been prolonged due to reasons to be recorded in writing
directly attributable to the Sevak.

Note 1. - The rate ofDearness Allowance will be based on the increased

or decreased amount of compensation admissible under sub-clauses (i)
and (ii) above.

Note-2.- The payment of compensation for the put olf duty period shall
not be subject to furnishing ofa certificate that the Sevak is not engaged
in any other employment, business, profession or vocationi

Page
U>
l9 of 39
 Provided that a Sevak who has been absconding or remains absent
unauthorizedly and is subsequently put off duty shall not be entitled to
any compensations as ex-gratia paymenti

Provided further that in the event of departmental proceedings

initiated against a GDS (who was placed under put off duty) for
imposition of major penalty finally ends with the imposition of a minor
penalty, the Sevak concerned should, be paid full Time Related
Continuity Allowance and allowances for the period of put off duty.

(4). Where a penalty of dismissal or removal from engagement

imposed upon a Sevak putting him off the duty under this rule is set
aside in appeal or on review under these rules and the case is remitted
for further inquiry or action with any other direction, the order of putting
himrher off duty shall be deemed to have continued in force on and from
the date ofthe original order of dismissal or removal and shall remain in
force until further orders.

(5). Where a penalty of dismissal or removal from engagement

imposed upon a Sevak, is set aside or declared or rendered void in
consequence for by a decision of a Court of Law and the disciplinary
authority, on a consideration of the circumstances of the case, decides to
hold a further inquiry against the Sevak on the allegations on which the
penalty of dismissal or removal was originally imposed, the Sevak shall
be deemed to have been put off duty by the Engaging Authority from the
date of original dismissal or removal and shall continue to remain on put
off duty until further orders.

Provided that no such further inquiry shall be ordered unless it is

intended to meet a situation where the Court has passed an order purely
on technical grounds without going into the merits of the case.

NOTE.- The period of putting a Sevak off duty including the period of
deemed putting himrher off duty shall be decided by the
Competent Authority after de'novo proceedings in this regard are
finalized and compensation as ex-gratia payment for the concerned
period shall be regulated according to provisions of sub -rule (3). The
break caused due to putting the Sevak off duty shall be regulated as per
extant provisions issued from time to time by the Central Government
for this purpose.

Note.- Any payment made under this rule to a Sevak on reinstatement

shall be subject to adjustment of compensation already paid as ex-gratia.

0k>
Page 20 ol39
13 Appeal'-

(f) A Sevak may appeal against an order putting himrher off duty to
the authority to which the authority passing the order regarding
putting himrher off duty is immediately subordinate

O) A Sevak may appeai against an order imposing on himrher any of

the penalties specified in RuIe 9 to the authority to which the
authority imposing the penalty is immediately subordinate.

14. Period of limitation for Appeal :-

No appeal shall be entertained unless it is submitted within a
period of three months from the date on which the appellant receives a
copy of the order appealed against,

Provided that the Appellate Authority may entertain the appeal

after the expiry ofthe said period, if it is satisfied that the appellant had
suffrcient cause for not submitting the appeal in time

15 Form and contents ofAppeal

'

(t) Every Sevak submitting an appeal shall do so separately and in

hislher own name.

@) The appeal shall be addressed to the authority to whom the appeal

lies under RuIe 13, shall contain all material statements and arguments
on which the appellant relies, shall not contain any disrespectful or
improper language and shall be complete in itself

16 Submission and withholding of Appeal

'-

Every appeal shall be submitted to the authority which made the

order appealed against That authority may withhold the appeal if

(i) It does not comply with any ofthe provisions of RuIe 15i or
(iil It is not submitted within the period specifred in RuIe 14 and no
cause is shown for the delayi or

Giil It is repetition of any appeal already decided and no new facts or

circumstances are adduced,

Provided that an apped. withheld on the only ground that it does

not comply with the provisions of Rule 15 shall be returned to the
(/L
Page 21 o ff9
appeliant and, if resubmitted within one month thereof after compiiance
with the said provisions, shall not be withheld

(1) Where an appeal is withheld, the appellant shall be informed of

the fact and the reason therefor

(2) At the commencement of each quarter, a list of the appeals

withheld by any authority during the previous quarter together with the
reasons for withholding them shall be furnished by that authority to the
Appellate Authority

77 Transmission of Appeal:-

(1) The authority which made the order appealed against shall,
without any avoidable delay, transmit to the Appellate Authority every
appeal which is not withheld under Rule 16 together with its comments
thereon and the relevant records.

Q) The authority to which the appeal lies may direct transmission to

it of any appeal withheld under Rule 16 and thereupon such appeal shall
be transmitted to that authority together with the comments of the
authority withholding the appeal and the relevant records.

18. Consideration of Appeal :-

The Appellate Authority shaLl consider,

(a) whether the procedure specified in these rules has been compiied
with;

(b) whether the findings are justifredi and

(c) whether the penaity imposed is excessive, adequate or inadequatei

and passing orders,

(il setting aside, reducing, confirming or enhancing the

penaltyi
(iil remitting the case to the authority which imposed the
penalty or to any other authority with such direction as it
may deem fit in the circumstances of the case,

Provided that no order imposing an enhanced penalty shall be passed

unless the appellant is given an opportunity of making any
representation wbich he may wish to make against such enhanced
penalty
oh/
l'agc 22 o t.19
19 Revision
'-

(t) Notwithstanding anything contained in these rules-

() Regional PMG, for those Gramin Dak Sevaks who work in

region headed by PMG; and in the rest of the cases by the Head
of the Circle Ohief Postmaster GeneraU,
Gil Any other authority immediately superior to the authority
passing the ordersi or

(iii) Anv other authority specified in this behalf bythe

Government by general or special order, and within such time as
may be specifred in that general or special orderi may, at any
time, either on its own motion or otherwise caII for records of any
enquiry or disciplinary case and revise an order made under
these rules, reopen the case and after making such enquiry as it
eonsiders necessary, may

(d confrrm, modify or set aside the order, or

0) pass such orders as it deems frt "

Provided that no such case shall be reopened under this rule after
the expiry of six months from the date of the order to be revised except
by the Government or by the Head of Circle or by the Postmaster-General
(Region; and also before the expiry of the time limit of three months
specfied for preferring an appeal under Rule 14.
Provided further that no order imposing or enhancing any penalty
shall be made by any Revisionary Authority unlese the Sevak concerned
has been given a reasonable opportunity of making a representation
against the penalty proposed and where it is proposed to impose any of
the penalties specified in Clauses (9 and (vi) of Rule 9 or to enhance the
penalty imposed by the order sought to be revised to any ofthe penalties
specified in those clauses, no such penalty shall be imposed except after
the inquiry in the manner laid down in Rule 10, in case no such inquiry
has already been held.
(2) No application to revise an order made on an application for a
revieion or order passed or made on a revision shall be entertained.

20 Review,-
The President may, at any time, either on his own motion or
otherwise, review an order passed under these rules when any new
material or evidence which could not be produced or was not available at
the time of passing the order under review and which has the effect of
ak>
Page 23 of 39
changing the nature of the case, has come, or has been brought to his
notice,

Provided that no order imposing or enhancing any penalty shall be

made by the President unless the Sevak concerned has been given a
reasonable opportunity of making a representation against the penalty
proposed or where it is proposed to impose any of the major penalties
specified in RuIe 9 or to enhance the minor penalty imposed by the order
sought to be reviewed to any of the major penalties and if any enquiry
under Rule 10 has not been held in the case, no such penalty shall be
imposed except after enquiry in the manner laid down in RuIe 10 subject
to the provisions of RuIe 11i

Provided further that such review petition may be preferred

within two years subject to the condition that the review petition is based
on new evidence which was not available previously and has the effect of
changing the nature of the casei

Provided further that the powers of the President under this rule
shall be exercised by a plenary board comprising of Member 1'P/ and
Member (O,lor comprising of such authorities as may be delegated from
time to time.

21. General '-

Every Sevak shall at ail times:-

G) maintain absolute integrity;

Gil maintain devotion to dutyi and
(iiil do nothing which is unbecoming ofa Sevak

21-A. Promptness and Courtesy:-

No Sevak Shall:-

G) in the performance of his/her olEcial duties, act in a

discourteous manner;

(ii) in his/her official dealing with the public or otherwise adopt

dilatory tactics or willfully cause delay in disposal of the work
assigned to him.

Ur,-
Page 24 of 39
27-8. Prohibition of sexual harassment of workins women .-

(1) No Gramin Dak Sevak shall indulge in any act of sexual

harassment of any woman at any workplace.

(2) Every Sevak who is in charge of a workplace shall take

appropriate steps to prevent sexual harassment to any
woman at such workplace.

EXPLANATION:- 1. For the purpose of this Rule:-

(d "Sexual Harassment" includes any oneor more of the

following acts or behavior, (whether directly or by
implication), namely:-

(il physical contact and advancesi or

6il a demand or request for sexual favoursi or

(iiil making sexually coloured remarksl or

(iv) showing pornography i or

(v) any other unwelcome physical, verbal, non-verbal
conduct of a sexual nature.

6) The following circumstances, among other circumstances, if

it occurs or is present in relation to or connected with any
act or behavior of sexual harassment may amount to gexual
harassment:-

G) implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment

in employment/engagementi or

Gil implied or expUcit threat of detrimental treatment in

employmenUengagement; or

(iiil implied or explicit threat about her present or future

employment /engagement status; or

(iv) interference with her work or creating an

intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment
for heri or

&>
Page 25 of 39
 (v) Humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or
safety.

(c) "Workplace"includes,-

(il any department, organisation, undertaking,

establishment, enterprise, institution, offrce, branch
or unit which is established, owned, controlled or
wholly or substantially frnanced by funds provided
directly or indirectiy by the Central Governmenti

(iil hospitals or nursing homesi

(iiil any sports institute, stadium, sports complex or

competition or games venue, whether residential or
not used for training, sports or other activities
relating theretoi any place visited by the
employee/GDS arising out of or during the course of
employment/engagement including transportation
provided by the employer for undertaking such
journeyi

(iv) a dwelling place or a house.

22. Taking part in Politics and Elections ,-

(1) No Sevak shall be a member of, or be otherwise associated with,

any political party or any organization which takes part in politics nor
shall hershe take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any other
manner, any political movement or activity.
(2) It shall be the duty of every Sevak to endeavor to prevent any
member of the family from taking part in, subscribing in aid of, or
assisting in any other manner, any political movement or activity which
is, or tends directly or indirectly to be, subversive of the Government as
by Iaw established, and where a Sevak is unable to prevent a member of
hisrher family from taking part in, or subscribing in aid of, or assisting in
any other manner, any such movement or activity, hershe shall make a
report to that effect to the Government.
(3) If any question arises whether a party is a political party or
whether any organization takes part in politics or whether any
movement or activity falls within the scope of sub-rule 12y, the decision of
the Government thereon shall be final.

@L
I)alre 26 ol39
(a) No Sevak shall canvass or otherwise interfere with or use his/her
inlluence in connection with, or take part in an election to any legislative
or local authority,
Provided that-

(il A Sevak qualified to vote at such election may exercise

hisrher right to vote, but where hershe does so, hershe shall
give no indication of the manner in which hershe proposes
to vote or has votedi

(iil A Sevak shall not be deemed to have contravened the

provisions of this rule by reason only that hershe assists in
the conduct of an election in the due performance of a duty
imposed on himrher by or under any law for the time being
in force.

EXPLANATION - The display by a Sevak on hisrher person, vehicle or

residence of any electoral symbol shall amount to using hisrher in-fluence
in connection with an election within the meaning of this sub-rule.

23 Strikes'-

No Sevak shall resort to or abet any form of strile, coercion or

physical duress in connection with any matter pertaining to his/her
conditions of engagement or the engagement of any other Sevak. Period
of strike shall be treated as under.:-

(il The period of strike will not only result in deduction of TRCA
for the period of absence during the strike but also break in
engagement on account of incitement, violence and sabotage.
GDS who resort to action of the above kind violate RuIe 23 of
GDS rConduct and Engagement/ Rules, 2020 and disciplinary
action can also be taken against them. It may be noted that the
Iist of activities which'are covered under the definition of
strike as enumerated above is only illustrative and not
exhaustive. It only clarifres the position in respect of practices
which are often resorted to at present

(iil GDS who is absent from engagement hours for participating

in the strike shall not be entitled to draw TRCA, DA, bonus,
Paid leave TRCA etc.

(iii) The strike period shall not be adjusted or regularised by gtant

of any kind of leave
Uv
Page 27 of 39
 (i") If, it is specifrcally ordered by the competent authority after
show cause notice on account of incitement, violence and
sabotage, the strike period would also result in break in
engagement.

(v) The strike period would not quaiify towards engagement

period for payment of GDS Gratuity, Severance amount at
the time of discharge from engagement.

(.'i) The strike period would not qualify towards engagement

period for absorption of GDS against Multi-Tasking StaIf
(MTS) posts, which is done on seniority basis.

("ii) The strike period would not qualfi towards engagement

period of GDS to appear at the LDCE for the cadre of Postal
Assistant /Sorting Assistant/Postmen/MailGuard/Multi-
Tasking Staff etc.

(viiil The above action as per para (i) to (vii) may also be taken
without prejudice to any disciplinary action that may be taken
against such GDS.

24 Criticism of Government:-

No Sevak shall, in any radio broadcast or in any document

published in his/her own name or anonymously, or pseudonymously or in
the name of any other person or in any communication to the Press or in
any public utterance, make any statement of fact or opinion

(il which has the effect of any adverse criticism of any current
or recent policy or action of the Central Goverrrment or a
State Governmenti or

(iil which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the

Central Government and the Government of any Statei or

Gii) which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the

Central Government and the Government of any foreign
State.

Provided that nothing in this rule shall apply to any statement

made or views expressed by a Sevak in hisrher official capacity or in the ,
due performance of the duties assigrred to him.
f h-
Pase 28 of -itr
25. Evidence before committee or any other Authority :-

(1) Save as provided in sub-rule no Sevak shall, except with the

13y,
previous sanction of the Government, give evidence in connection
with any inquiry conducted by any person, committee or
authority.

(2) Where any sanction has been accorded under sub-rule i1;, no
Sevak giving such evidence shall criticize the policy or any action
of the Central Government or of a State Government

(S) Nothing in this rule shall apply to-

(d evidence given at an inquiry before an authority appointed

by the Government, Parliament or a State Legislative; or

(b) evidence glven in any judicial inquiryi or

(c) evidence given at any departmental enquiry ordered by

authorities subordinate to the Government.

26. Unauthorized communication of information:-

No Sevak shall, except in accordance with any general or special

order ofthe Government or in the performance in good faith ofthe duties
assigred to himrher, communicate, directly or indirectly, any official
document or information to any Sevak or any other person to whom
hershe is not authorized to communicate such documents or information.

EXPLANATION Quotation by a Sevak 1in hisrher representation to the

Engaging Authority, Head of Offrce, or Head of Department, or
President; of or from any Ietter, circular, or office memorandum or from
the notes in any fiIe, to which hershe is not authorized to have access, or
which hershe is not authorized to keep in hisrher personal custody or for
personal purposes, shall amount to unauthorized communication of
information within the meaning of this rule

27. Insolvency andhabitual indebtedness'-

A Sevak shall so manage his private affairs as to avoid habitual
indebtedness or insolvency A Sevak against whom any legal proceeding
is instituted for the recovery of any debt due from himrher or for
adjudging himrher as an insolvent shali forthwith report the full facts of
the legal proceedings to the Government
ak>
Pagc 29 oI39
28. Vindication of acts and character of Sevak'-

(f) No Sevak shall, except with the previous sanction of the

Government, have recourse to any Court or to the Press for the
vindication of any offrcial act which has been the subject matter of
adverse criticism or an attack of defamatory character

(2) Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to prohibit any Sevak from
vindicating hisrher private character or any act done by himrher in his
private capacity and where any action for indicating hisrher private
character or any act done by himrher in private capacity is taken,
the Sevak shall submit a report to the Engaging Authority regarding
such action.

29 Canvassing of non-offlrcial or other outside influence,-

No Sevak shall bring or attempt to bring any political or other

outside in-Iluence to bear upon any superior authority to further hisrher
interests in respect of matters pertaining to his/her engagement under
the Government.

29-A Prohibition regarding eneaging in any business

detrimental to the business of the Post Office1[PPB,-

The GDS will not engage in any activity with any outside agency
which would be detrimental to the business or interest of the post
officelPPB

30 Interpretation,-
If any question arises relating to the interpretation of these rules,
it shall be referred to the Government whose decision thereon shall be
final.

31 Delegation of powers'-

The Government may, by general or special order, direct that any

power exercisable by it under these rules lexcept the power under Ruie
30 and this rulel shall, subject to such conditions, if any, as may be
specified in the order, be exercisable also by such officer or authority as
may be specified in the order.:-

eh.-
Page 30 o1'39
 SCHEDULE OF ENGAGING AUTHORITY. DISCIPLINARY
AUTHORITY & APPELI,ATE AUTHORITY FOR GDS

SeriaI Descript Engaging Authority competent to

Numb ion of Authority impose penalties and Appellate
er service (3) penalties which it may Authority
(1) (2) impose with reference (6)
to Rule 9 of GDS
(Conduct and
Engagement) Rules,
issued vide Department
of Posts' O.M. No 17-
31/2016-GDS dated
23.04.2079.
Disciplinary Penalt
Authority ies
(4) (5)
1 Gramin Deputy Deputy AlI Chief
Dak Superintendent Superintende Postmaster
Sevak s of Post o{fices nts of Post GeneraU
Branch (in caae of offices (in case Postmaster
Post Divisions of Divisions General,
master headed by headed by Director
Director Postal Director Postal
Services/ Postal Services
Postmaster Services/
General),if Postmaster
available, General), if
otherwise Head available,
of the Division. otherwise
Head of the
Division
Assistant (i)to (v) Deputy
Superintende Superintend
nts / Inspector ents of Post
Posts of Sub offrces (in
Divisions case of
Divisions
headed by
Director
Postal
Services I
Postmaster
General), if
available,
otherwise
Head of the
Division

Page 3l of 39
Oh-
 2 Gramin (i)Senior Senior AII Head of the
Dak Postmaster
Postmaster Division
Sevak including
Aseistan
/Deputy Chief /Deputy Chief Director
t Branch Postmaster I Postmaster/D Postal
Post eputy Services I
Deputy
master , Director/Assista Director/Assis Postmaster
Dak nt tant Director Generai
Sevaks
Director/Postm
in their own
offrces I
asters /Sub Inspector of
Postmasters in Post
Head Post offrces/Assista
Offices
nt
/Mukhya Dak
Superintende
Ghar and HSG nts of Post
/LSG norm Offices in all
based Post other offices.
Offices except Postmasters/ (i)to
dB & C class Sub (v)
offices.
Postmasters
in Head Post
(ii) Inspector of Offices/lVlukhy
Post a Dak Ghar
Offrces/Assistan and HSG/LSG
t norm based
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 Appendix - I
Standard form of charee sheet for Miaor P enalties to GDS
(Under RuIe 10 A of GDS Conduct & Engagement Rule)
No
Government of India
Ministry /Office of
Dated...........
Place of issue.....

MEMORANDUM
Shri/Smt^vle (Category).......(BO/DepartmentaVBMS
Offrce in which working)....................................... .....is hereby informed
that it is proposed to take action against himftrer under Rule 10A
of Gramin Dak Sevak (Conduct and Engagement )Rule, 2020
amended from time to time. A statement of the imputation of
misconduct or misbehavior on which action is proposed to be taken
as mentioned above is enclosed.

2. Shri/Smt/Ivls is hereby given an opportunity to

make such representation as he/she may wish to make against the
proposal.

3. If Shri/Smt/t1s fails to submit his/her

representation within 10 days of the receipt of this Memorandum,
it will be presumed that he/she has no representation to make and
orders will be liable to be passed against ShriSmt/11s.. ex-
parte.

4. The receipt of this Memorandum should be acknowledged by

Shri/Smt/lVls
(By order
Siglature
Name and desigrration of the Competent authority
To
Shri/Smt/Ms
&>
Page 33 of 39
 Appendix -I1

Standard form for initiation of Minor Penaltv proceedings

in case where di I I authori decides to hold the in
(Under Rule 10A of GDS Conduct & Engagement Rule )

No. "."........
Government of India
Ministry /Office of
Dated...........

MEMORANDTIM
In continuation of Memorandum No................ dated..........

issued under Rule 10A of the Gramin Dak Sevak (Conduct and
Engagement) Rules, 2020 amended from time to time, the
undersigned is ofthe opinion that, it is necessary to hold an inquiry
against ShrilSmt/lvls under clause 10E of the GDS
(Conduct and Engagement ) Rules, 2020. The substance of the
imputation of misconduct or misbehavior in respect of which the
inquiry is proposed to be held is set out in the enclosed statements
of article of charge (Annexure-I). A statement of the imputation of
misconduct or misbehavior in support of each article of charge is
enclosed (Annexure-Il). A list of documents by which and a list of
witnesses by whom the articles of charges are proposed to be
sustained are also enclosed (Annexures-Ill and IV).

2. Shri/Smt/IVIs ...................is directed to submit within ten days

of the receipt of this Memorandum a written statement of his/her
defence and also to state whether he/she desires to be heard in
person.

3. He/She is informed that an inquiry will be held only in

respect of those articles of charge as are not admitted. He/She
should, therefore, specifically admit or deny each article of charge.

W.
Pase 34 of 39
4. ShrUSmt/lls is further informed that if he/she does
not submit hisftrer written statement of defence on or before the
date specified in Para 2 above, or does not appear in person before
Inquiring Authorities or otherwise fails or refuses to comply with
the provisions of Rule 10A & 108 of the GDS (Conduct and
Engagement) Rules, 2O2O or the orders/directions issued in
pursuance of the said Rule, the Inquiring Authority may hold the
inquiry against him/her ex-parte.

5. Attention of Shri/Smt/Ms is invited to Rule 29 of the

GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, under which no
Sevak shall bring or attempt to bring any political or other outside
influence to bear upon any superior authority to further hisrher
interests in respect of matters pertaining to his/her engagement
under the Government If any representation is received on his/her
behalf from another person in respect of any matter dealt with in
these proceedings, it will be presumed that Shri/Smt/IVIs ............... is
aware of such a representation and that it has been made at his/her
instance and action will be taken against him,rher for violation of
Rule 29 of the GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020.

b The receipt of this Memorandum may be acknowledged

(By order......... )
Signature
Name and designation of the Competent authority
To
Shri/Smt,{vls

ANNEXURE-1

Statement of articles of Charge framed against Shri/Smt/lVls

.. (Name and category of the Gramin Dak Sevak).
Article-I

?hat said Shri/Smt/Ms ......while functioning as during the

period .........
Page 35
&t-
of39
 Article-II

That during the aforesaid period and while functioning in

the aforesaid Office, the said Shri/Smt/lVls ................. .........

Article-III

That during the aforesaid period and while functioning in

the aforesaid Office, the said Shri/Smt/Ms

ANNEXIIRE-II

Statement of imputation of misconduct or misbehavior in

support of the articles of charge framed against ShrVSmt/lVIs
............(Name and category of the Gramin Dak Sevak).

Article-I

Article-II

Article-III

ANNEXURE-III

List of documents by which the article of charge framed

against Shri/Smt/IVIs (Name and category of the Gramin
Dak Sevak)are proposed to be sustained.

ANNEXURE-IV

List of witnesses by whom the articles of charge framed

against Shri/Smt/lVls ........... (Name and category of the Gramin Dak
Sevak) are proposed to be sustained.

W>
['age 36 o1' 39
 Appendix -III

Standard form of Charge sheet for Major Penalties

(Under Rule l-0 B of GDS Conduct & Engagement Rule)
No. ...........

Government of India
Ministry /Offrce of
Dated...........

MEMORANDTIM

The undersigned proposes to hold an inquiry against

ShrVSmt/IIs ................under Rule 108 (major penalties) of the
Gramin Dak Sevak (Conduct and Engagement) Rules,2020. The
substance of imputations of misconduct or misbehavior in respect
of which the inquiry is proposed to be held is set out in the enclosed
statement of articles of charge (Annexure-I). A statement of the
imputations of misconduct or misbehavior in support of each article
of charge is enclosed (Annexure-Il). A list of documents by which,
and a list of witnesses by whom, the articles of charge are proposed
to be sustained are also enclosed (Annexures -III and IV).

2. ShrilSmt/Ms is dtected to submit within 10 days of

the receipt of this Memorar:dum a written statement of his/her
defence and also to state whether he/she desires to be heard in
person.

3. He/She is informed that an inquiry will be held only in

respect of those articles of charge as are not admitted. He/She
should, therefore specifically admit or deny each article ofcharge.

4 ShrTSmt/Ms is further informed that if he/she

does not submit his/her written statement of defence on or before
the date specified in Para 2 above, or does not appear in person
before the inquiring authority or otherwise fails or refuses to

Page 37
frh-
ol39- -
comply with the provisions of Rule 10B (Major penalties) of the
Gramin Dak Sevak (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, or the
orders /directions issued in pursuance of the said rule, the
inquiring authority may hold the inquiry against him/her ex parte.

5. Attention of Shri/Smt/lVls ....................is invited to Rule 29 of the

GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, under which no
Sevak shall bring or attempt to bring any political or outside
influence to bear upon any superior authority to further hisrher
interest in respect of matters pertaining to his/her engagement
under the Government. If any representation is received on his/her
behalf from another person in respect of any matter dealt with in
these proceedings, it will be presumed that ShrVSmt/Ms ............is
aware of such a representation and that it has been made at his/her
instance and action will be taken against him/her for violation of
Rule 29 of the GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020.

6. The receipt of this Memorandum may be acknowledged

(By order )
Signature
Name and designation of the Competent authority
To
Shri/Smt/Ivls

ANNEXURE-1

Statement of articles of Charge framed against Shri/Smt/Ms

(Name and category of the Gramin Dak Sevak).

Article-I

That said Shri/Smt/Ms while functioning as during the

period ......................

&v-
Page 3li of 39
 Article-II

That during the aforesaid period and while functioning in the

aforesaid Office, the said ShrilSmtiMs

Article-III

That during the aforesaid period and while functioning in the

aJoresaid Office, the said Shri/Smt/Ms

ANNEXURE-II

Statement of imputation of misconduct or misbehavior in

support of the articles of charge framed against Shri/Smt/tls
............(Name and category of the Gramin Dak Sevak).

Article-I

Article-II

Article-III

ANNEXURE-III

List of documents by which the article of charge framed

against Shri/Smt/Iv1s (Name and category of the Gramin
Dak Sevak)are proposed to be sustained.

ANNEXURE-ry

List of witnesses by whom the articles of charge framed

against Shri/Smt/Ivls ........... (Name and category of the Gramin
Dak Sevak) are proposed to be sustained.

,*. oab*,
.S B. VYAVAHARE )
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