Key Details
The Tenth Report of the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes reviews OBC representation and welfare in the Department of Posts and recommends measures to improve recruitment, institutional support and implementation of reservation policies.
Area | Committee Findings & Recommendations |
|---|---|
Representation | Increase OBC representation across Groups A, B and C to the prescribed 27% reservation benchmark. |
Backlog vacancies | Conduct Special Recruitment Drives (SRDs) to fill 207 backlog Group C vacancies. |
Group-wise position | No backlog exists in Groups A and B, but representation remains below 27% in several cadres despite reservation provisions. |
Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) | OBC representation broadly meets applicable state reservation norms, but the Committee recommends higher GDS emoluments in view of rising living costs. |
Employee welfare | Extend basic facilities to OBC Employees' Welfare Associations functioning across Postal Circles and strengthen grievance redressal. |
Reservation compliance | Ensure reservation norms apply to all contractual and temporary appointments of 45 days or more, in line with DoPT instructions. |
Transparency | Strengthen reservation monitoring through dedicated Reservation Cells and digitised reservation rosters. |
Rural access | Expand post offices in Panchayat Bhawans and construct additional rural post offices in partnership with State Governments and Panchayati Raj Institutions. |
The Committee Seeks Better Alignment Between Reservation and Representation
The Standing Committee argues that implementing reservation policy requires achieving actual representation, not merely complying with recruitment procedures. While the Department of Posts follows the prescribed reservation framework, OBC representation remains below the 27% reservation quota in several cadres, particularly Groups A and B.
Accordingly, the Committee calls for sustained monitoring, proactive recruitment and periodic review to close representation gaps.
Backlog Vacancies and Compliance Become Immediate Priorities
The report identifies backlog recruitment as the most urgent operational challenge, recommending early completion of Special Recruitment Drives to fill 207 Group C backlog vacancies.
It also calls for stricter application of reservation norms to temporary and contractual appointments (45 days or more), together with stronger Reservation Cells and digitised reservation rosters to improve transparency and compliance.
Representation Also Depends on Institutional Support
The report links effective representation with stronger employee support systems. It recommends extending basic facilities to OBC Employees' Welfare Associations, strengthening scholarships, training programmes and grievance-redress mechanisms, recognising that inclusion extends beyond recruitment alone.
Inclusive Employment Should Strengthen Rural Public Services
Alongside workforce reforms, the Committee recommends expanding postal infrastructure in rural areas through greater use of Panchayat Bhawans, construction of additional rural post offices and improved welfare measures for Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDSs).
Together, these measures seek to strengthen both inclusive public employment and the Department's capacity to deliver services in underserved areas.
What are Special Recruitment Drives (SRDs)?
Special Recruitment Drives (SRDs) are targeted recruitment exercises undertaken to fill backlog vacancies reserved for specific categories that remain unfilled through regular recruitment.
Policy Relevance
Improves implementation of reservation policy by focusing on actual representation rather than prescribed quotas alone.
Accelerates filling of backlog vacancies through targeted recruitment drives.
Strengthens transparency through digital reservation rosters and dedicated monitoring mechanisms.
Extends reservation compliance to eligible temporary and contractual appointments.
Supports employee welfare through institutional recognition, training and grievance-redress mechanisms.
Links inclusive employment with rural service delivery by expanding postal infrastructure in underserved areas.
Follow the Full Report Here: Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (2025–26), Tenth Report: Measures Undertaken to Secure Representation of Other Backward Classes in Employment and for Their Welfare in PSUs and Other Organisations under the Department of Posts.