Question : APPOINTMENT OF EXTRA DEPARTMENTAL STAFF

(a) whether the Government has issued any guidelines for appointment of extra Departmental Staff and Grama Dak Sevaks against the Regular Vacancies;

(b) if so, the details in this regard;

(c) the manner in which the Government proposes to accommodate the employees who have worked for decades on Daily wages in the Department;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government proposes to amend such rules to protect such ill fated employees; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)

(a) Gramin Dak Sevaks were earlier known as Extra Departmental Agents. For appointment against regular vacancies in various grades, the provisions of the Recruitment Rules will have to be followed.

(b) Appointment of Gramin Dak Sevaks against regular vacancies in Group `C` and Group `D` posts is governed by the provisions of the Recruitment Rules and the orders issued from time to time. Gramin Dak Sevaks are given preference in the matter of appointment to Group `D` posts. 25% of the vacancies in the grade of Postman are filled from amongst Gramin Dak Sevaks with a minimum of 15 years of service on the basis of their seniority and 25% from amongst Gramin Dak Sevaks who have put in a minimum of 5 years service on the basis of their merit in the departmental examination. They are also eligible for appointment as Mailguard. The unfilled vacancies of the departmental examination quota in the grade of Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant are filled by Gramin Dak Sevaks. Consideration of Gramin Dak Sevaks for such appointments is subject to their fulfilling the educational qualification, age limit and other conditions as laid down in the Recruitment Rules and the orders issu ed by the Department from time to time.

(c) & (d) Casual labourers are eligible for appointment against 25% of the vacancies in Group `D` Test Category that remain unfilled after recruitment of non-test category Group `D` employees. They are also eligible for appointment against non-test category Group `D` posts. They are considered for such appointment as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules/orders.

(e) The provisions of the rules for appointment of casual labourers against Group `D` posts are considered adequate and are not proposed to be amended.

(f) Does not arise in view of (c) to (e) above.