Is it real financial upgradation scheme to GDS?
• The Department of Posts (DOP), through its letter dated March 15, 2024, introduced a financial upgradation scheme for Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS). This scheme offers three financial upgradations upon completing 12, 24, and 36 years of continuous engagement.
• However, the announced increases are fixed amounts of Rs. 360, Rs. 460, and Rs. 600 per month, respectively. Crucially, these amounts will not be eligible for Dearness Allowance (DA) and will not count towards future Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) calculations.
• Currently, the entry-level TRCA for Branch Postmasters (BPMs) is Rs. 12,000 for Level 1 and Rs. 14,500 for Level 2. The standard annual increment in TRCA is 3%. After 12 years, a BPM's TRCA would typically be Rs. 12,000 plus accumulated increments, potentially reaching Rs. 15,600 (assuming an initial 3% increment on Rs. 12,000, then subsequent increments). Similarly, for Level 2, it could reach Rs. 18,850.
• For schemes like Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) and other financial upgradations, one increment is usually granted. If this principle were applied, a BPM at Rs. 15,600 TRCA should receive a benefit of Rs. 468 (3% of Rs. 15,600), and a BPM at Rs. 18,850 TRCA should receive Rs. 565.50, excluding DA. If DA at 50% were considered, the actual financial loss would be even greater.
• However, under the new scheme, a BPM receives only Rs. 360, regardless of their TRCA level. Considering DA, this means a loss of more than 100% of their due benefits.
• For the second upgradation after 24 years of service, the TRCA (without including the first upgradation amount) might be around Rs. 19,200 (for an initial Rs. 12,000 TRCA) or Rs. 21,200 (for an initial Rs. 14,500 TRCA). A 3% increase on these amounts would be Rs. 576 and Rs. 636, respectively. Yet, BPMs are granted only Rs. 460, irrespective of their TRCA levels.
• Similarly, for the third upgradation after 36 years of service, the TRCA might be approximately Rs. 22,800 (for an initial Rs. 12,000 TRCA) or Rs. 25,550 (for an initial Rs. 14,500 TRCA). A 3% increase would amount to Rs. 684 and Rs. 766.50, respectively. However, the fixed amount granted is only Rs. 600.
• This scheme appears to be a form of exploitation rather than a genuine financial upgradation. Unions should advocate for this scheme to be at par with MACP, ensuring that one increment is granted for every financial upgradation, and that this increment is added to the TRCA for all purposes, including DA calculation.
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