📋 Latest GDS Policy Updates
December 2025 - Important Updates from Department of Posts
Overview
The Department of Posts has issued three major updates regarding Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) employment and benefits. These updates effective December 30, 2025, bring significant changes to compassionate engagement, leave policies, and service record management.
December 30, 2025 Department of Posts1. One-Time Compassionate Engagement Relaxation (OM 19-19/2024-GDS)
Objective
This one-time scheme aims to provide compassionate engagement as GDS to dependents of deceased employees/GDS who lost their lives during the COVID-19 period and thereafter, covering cases that were previously time-barred or rejected due to eligibility criteria.
Eligible Categories
- Category 1: Dependents of GDS whose cases were not recommended due to being belated under prevailing schemes
- Category 2: Dependents of GDS whose cases were rejected but now meet eligibility criteria and have requisite documents
- Category 3: Dependents of departmental employees whose cases were recommended by CRC but not appointed due to 5% vacancy cap
- Category 4: Dependents of GDS/departmental employees who were ineligible at the time of death but now meet eligibility criteria
Key Features
Processing Timeline
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Circles obtain willingness from dependents | Within 2 months from issue date |
| Circles submit data to Directorate | Within 15 days after 2-month period |
| Applications processing begins | As per Compassionate Engagement Scheme, 2023 |
| Scheme validity | One year from issuance (until Dec 30, 2026) |
Required Documents (Checklist)
- Application form for compassionate engagement
- Secondary School Examination (10th standard) pass certificate
- Date of Birth proof / ID proof / Address proof
- Death certificate of deceased employee/GDS
- Aadhar Card/ID card copy of deceased
- Consent of dependents (if applicable)
- Undertaking by applicant (Form provided)
- CRC/CCE minutes
- Other relevant documents
Important Points
2. Introduction of e-Engagement Roll for GDS (OM 17-12/2025-GDS)
Objective
Streamlining the upkeep and maintenance of service records of all Gramin Dak Sevaks through a comprehensive digital portal.
Implementation Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Preparation deadline for existing GDS records | By March 31, 2026 (phased: 15% per month) |
| Roll-out across all Circles | By April 1, 2026 |
| New GDS engagement effective date | April 1, 2026 onwards |
e-Engagement Roll Components
The digital engagement roll will contain the following 14 modules:
Part I: Personal Information
Bio-data including name, DOB, education, permanent address, PRAN, PAN, Aadhar, GDS ID, photograph and signature
Part II: Documents & Declarations
Application, certificates, verification reports, medical fitness, undertakings, training completion, joining reports
Part III: Regularization
Provisional and regular engagement orders, resignation, promotion to departmental posts
Part IV: Service History
All periods, movements, actions, training, deputation, increments, transfer, financial upgradation
Part V: TRCA & Payments
TRCA details, allowances, bonuses, combined duty allowance, recoveries (union, SDBS, NPS)
Part VI: Leave Records
Authorized/unauthorized leave, interruptions, substitute duty details with full duration
Part VII: Disciplinary Action
Put-off duty periods, punishments under GDS Rules, appeals, petitions
Part VIII: Promotion & DPC
Promotion events, DPC outcomes, departmental examination results, gradation lists
Part IX: Financial Upgradation
Upgradation at 12, 24, and 36 years of engagement completion
Part X: Transfer & Mutual Transfer
Limited transfer facility events, acceptance/rejection, transfer orders
Part XI: TRCA Revision
Upgradation/downgradation consequent to establishment review
Part XII: Pension (SDBS/NPS)
PRAN status, SDBS nomination, subscription details
Part XIII: Discharge/Resignation
Discharge, resignation, termination, voluntary/medical discharge and benefits
Part XIV: Verification Certificate
Annual verification and attestation after financial year closure
Key Responsibilities
- Engaging Authority (EA): Prepare and upload initial e-Engagement Roll records
- Drawing & Disbursing Officer (DDO): Maintain the roll and ensure timely digital signatures
- Divisional Head: Oversee accurate and prompt entry recording
- Accounts Supervisor: Digitally sign all entries
- GDS Employee: Review and verify entries annually
Data Quality Requirements
3. Paid Leave Accumulation Policy for GDS (OM 17-12/2025-GDS)
Paid Leave Provisions
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual paid leave entitlement | 20 days per year (10 days per half-year) |
| Leave credit timing | 10 days credited at beginning of each half-year (Jan 1 & Jul 1) |
| Maximum accumulation limit | 45 days at any given time |
| Partial month credit rate | 1.67 days per completed calendar month |
| Fraction rounding | 0.5 or above = 1 day; below 0.5 = ignore |
Leave Encashment
Leave Accumulation Example
| Period | Leave Balance |
|---|---|
| Balance as on June 30 | 40 days |
| Carry forward to July 1 | 40 days |
| Credit on July 1 | +10 days |
| Leave availed (July-Dec) | -2 days |
| Balance on Dec 31 | 48 days |
| Carry forward to Jan 1 | 45 days (capped at maximum) |
| Credit on Jan 1 | 45 + 10 = 55 (55 - 45 = 10 lapses) |
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can paid leaves be taken in parts?
Yes, GDS can avail paid leave in parts as needed.
❓ Can accumulated leaves be taken in one stretch?
Yes, GDS may apply for leaves in one stretch, subject to leave balance availability and approval from competent authority.
❓ Can other leaves be combined with paid leave?
Yes. Maternity leave or Leave Without Allowance (except Emergency Leaves) can be combined with paid leave, provided it's approved by competent authority and doesn't exceed the maximum admissible period.
❓ Can Sundays/Postal holidays be prefixed/suffixed to paid leaves?
Yes, with proper approval from the competent authority.
❓ What happens to unused leave at discharge?
All unavailed leave lapses upon discharge, death, or cessation of engagement. No encashment is provided.
Summary of Changes
💼 Compassionate Engagement
One-time relaxation for dependents of deceased employees (Jan 2020 - Feb 2025). Valid until Dec 30, 2026.
💻 Service Records
e-Engagement Roll digitalization effective April 1, 2026. 14-module comprehensive system in HRMS.
📅 Paid Leave
Maximum 45-day accumulation, 20 days annual entitlement, effective January 1, 2026. No encashment policy.
Official Contact
Director (GDS)
Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan
Sansad Marg, New Delhi - 110001
Tel: 011-23096629
Email: adggds426@gmail.com
📥 Download Official Documents
Access the complete official orders and memorandums from the Department of Posts:
Published Date: January 1, 2026
Official Order Date: December 30, 2025
Authority: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India
This information is compiled from official government sources. For official updates, visit India Post website.
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