Govt hikes basic pay of Gramin Dak Sevaks to up to Rs 14,500 per month

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved raising the basic salary of Gramin Dak Sevaks to up to Rs 14,500 per month.

"Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) who were getting Rs 2,295 per month will get Rs 10,000. Those who were getting Rs 2,775 will get Rs 12,500. GDS who were paid Rs 4,115 will get Rs 14,500 per month," Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

He said the revised wages will come with arrears with effect from January 1, 2016. He said that allowances will be over the basic pay and the Cabinet has also additionally for the first time approved risk and hardship allowances for GDS.

There are around 2.6 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks working across country. The minister said GDS will now work in two shifts instead of three.

The Cabinet has also approved compensatory appointment of a dependent of GDS which was not allowed earlier, Sinha said.