Seeking clarification on Interpretation of Para 6(a) and Para 8 of Directorate Letter No. 17-01/2017-GDS dated 14.06.2023 regarding Gramin Dak Sevak (Compassionate Engagement) Scheme, 2023
File No. 17-25/2026-GDS (CG)/Misc
भारत सरकार/Government of India
संचार मंत्रालय/Ministry of Communications
डाकविभाग/Department of Posts
जीडीएस अनुभाग (GDS Section)
डाक भवन, संसद मार्ग,
Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
नई दिल्ली/New Delhi-110001
Dated:21-10-2026
To,
The Chief Postmaster General
Bihar Circle, Patna-800001.
Subject: Seeking clarification regarding interpretation of Para 6(a) and Para 8 of Directorate Letter No. 17-01/2017-GDS dated 14.06.2023 regarding
Sir,
Please refer to your office letter no. R&E-76/CAT CASE/ MD. Akhtar Ansari-2025 dated 31.08.2026 on the subject cited above.
2. The matter has been examined. It is clarified that Para 8 of the GDS (Compassionate Engagement) Scheme, 2023, stipulates that no relaxation in the upper age limit shall be admissible for compassionate engagement, except that no upper age limit applies to the spouse of the deceased GDS. However, the eligibility criteria prescribed under Para 6(a) of the Scheme are also required to be taken into consideration. Accordingly, Para 8 should be read and interpreted harmoniously with the relevant provisions of the GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, as revised from time to time, rather than in isolation. Since the general GDS engagement rules provide for category-wise age relaxation to eligible candidates belonging to SC/ST, OBC and PwD categories, such relaxations shall also be admissible in cases of compassionate engagement, notwithstanding the provisions of Para 8 of the Scheme.
This issues with the approval of the competent authority.
भवदीय/Yours faithfully
Digitally signed by
(गुरविंदर सिंह/Gurvinder Singh)
सहायक महानिदेशक / Assistant Director General (GDS)
Copy to:
- All CPMGs (all circles except Bihar) for information.
- GM CEPT Mysuru for uploading the order’s copy on the portal.
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