Condonation of period of irregular retention beyond 65 years of GDS – Delegation of powers.

According to DOP OM No. 18-05/2024-GDS dated 06.06.2024 the key highlights are

The Directorate has issued new instructions to expedite the settlement of terminal benefits for GDS (Gramin Dak Sevaks) who have been retained beyond the age of 65. Previous directives (letters dated 26.06.1982, 13.11.2001, and 05.12.2003) required forwarding such cases to the Directorate, causing delays. The new instructions delegate the power of condonation to regional or circle heads, with specific conditions:

1. If 100% recovery of overpaid allowances for employment beyond 65 years is made, the Head of Region or Circle can condone the overstay.
2. If 100% recovery cannot be made, the Head of Circle, in consultation with CIFA, can condone the overstay and the unrecovered amount.
3. Administrative/disciplinary action should be taken against officials responsible for the over retention.
4. Terminal benefits will only be paid after condonation, and the overstay period will not count towards terminal benefit calculations.

Past references pending with the Directorate can now be decided by the circles as per these new provisions. Below is the OM