Centre amends GDS eligibility; boosts local employment
PANAJI
It is now mandatory to know Konkani for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) posts for the Goa postal circle. The Department of Posts of the government of India has amended the GDS eligibility, making proficiency in Konkani a mandatory requirement.
In an Office Memorandum issued on October 7, Director GDS Ravi Pahwa said that the department has reviewed the list of local languages identified for the purpose of engagement of GDS in respect of post offices located in the State of Goa and accordingly the Postal Service Board has approved modification in the eligibility.
Pahwa said that the candidates applying for GDS posts in post offices located in Goa must have studied Konkani or Marathi at the 10th standard level. “However, the candidates who have studied only Marathi, must also possess proficiency in Konkani,” he said.
In case, where Konkani has not been studied till class 10th, the candidate proficiency would be verified based on a certificate issued by Goa Konkani Akademi or any other government authorised authority, as nominated by the State for the purpose, he said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who met Ramesh Patil, Director of Postal Services for the Goa Region, confirmed the development, calling it a significant step towards ensuring greater employment opportunities for Goans.
“The Department of Posts has approved the amendments to the Gramin Dak Sevak recruitment conditions for Goa", Sawant announced on X, adding that the move will ensure priority for Goans in recruitment, open more employment opportunities for local youth, and strengthen postal service delivery in the State.
During the monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai had raised the issue of recruitment of postmen from Maharashtra sidelining aspirants from Goa and had demanded Konkani to be made mandatory.
Sardesai has now hailed the Department of Posts decision calling it as a victory for Goans.
