255. Daily Rules Recap - GDS – Counting of LWA for calculation of increment
• Even though Departmental employees are granted yearly increments based on six months of qualifying service, this provision is not extended to Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS).
• GDS can draw their increment only after completing one year of service. If they have not completed one year, they are not entitled to the yearly increment.
• Their increments are also drawn either in January or July every year. For instance, if a GDS has even one day less than the required qualifying service, they will not receive the increment.
• As per orders dated August 7, 2019, GDS should be in service on the date the increment is due; otherwise, it will be drawn when they rejoin the GDS post.
• Leave Without Allowance (LWA) availed by GDS was initially treated as unqualified service by Postal Accounts, and this was objected to, particularly in the Kerala Circle.
• The Chief Postmaster General (CPMG), Karnataka Circle, clarified that LWA is a type of leave, and the period of LWA should be considered for increment calculation.
• Subsequently, the Department issued clarificatory orders on January 5, 2023.
• Only unauthorized absence or leave without approval shall be treated as a break in engagement.
• Although no allowance is paid during LWA, it is sanctioned by the competent authority.
• Therefore, LWA is considered authorized leave and qualifies as service for the grant of annual increment.
(DG (P) No. 17-31/2016-GDS (Clarifications) dated 5.1.2023)
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