Responding to the demand for better remuneration by Gramin Dak Sevaks on strike for the last two weeks, the Cabinet has approved the revision in their wage structure and allowances with an estimated expenditure of ₹1,257.75 crore during 2018-19.

The Cabinet, in its meeting on Wednesday, also approved a framework for expeditious closure of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and funding for the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III continuation programme (phase-I) at a total estimated cost of ₹4,338.20 crore.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which also met on Wednesday, approved implementation of third phase of off-grid and decentralised Solar PV Application Programme to achieve additional 118 MWp (Mega Watt peak) off-grid solar PV capacity by 2020 and the construction of a new six-lane bridge with its approaches across river Ganga at Phaphamau, Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh.

Explaining the details of the revision in the wage structure of Gramin Dak Sevaks, Manoj Sinha, MoS, Ministry of Communications, said that ‘time related continuity allowance’ structure and slabs had been rationalised. It was also decided to give an annual increase at the rate of 3 per cent January 1 or July 1 of every year to the Sevaks.

A new risk and hardship allowance has been introduced while other allowances such as office maintenance, combined duty allowance, cash conveyance charges, cycle maintenance allowance, boat allowance and fixed stationery charges have been revised. The decision would benefit more than three lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks.

“Arrears with effect from January 1, 2016 will be in a single instalment,” Sinha said.

The revised guidelines of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) on time bound closure of sick/ loss making CPSEs and disposal of movable and immovable assets. The revised guidelines would reduce delays in implementation of closure plans of sick/loss making CPSEs. These guidelines will replace the guidelines issued by DPE in September, 2016.

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