Postal department mulls Rs 30,000 annual health cover for Gramin Dak Sevaks

NEW DELHI: The postal department is considering providing medical benefits of up to Rs 30,000 per annum and educational opportunities, among others, to its employees serving in rural areas.

In a presentation to Telecom and IT Minister Kapil Sibal, the Department of Posts has said that it is working on six welfare schemes for ' Gramin Dak Sevaks' (GDS) -- post office employees serving in rural area -- official sources said.

"DoP has proposed healthcare facilities for GDS, disability leave, coaching to help them appear in departmental exams, skill development and educational opportunities and circle welfare fund scheme for GDS," sources said.

Under health care facilities, DoP has proposed to bear medical expenses of up to Rs 30,000 per annum for health problems requiring hospitalisation, sources said, adding the scheme will need Finance Ministry's approval.

At present there is provision to provide support of up to Rs 5,000 for GDS in case of prolonged and serious illness from circle welfare fund.

DoP has also proposed to extend disability leave benefit for GDS which will entitle them to take leave up to two years with payment of salary for the first 120 days.

Under present rules, GSDs are granted paid leaves of 20 days in a year without accumulation.

"DoP has also proposed providing educational opportunities for GDS on the pattern of distance learning for which fee can be reimbursed by the department after successful completion of the course," sources said.