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Gramin Dak Sevaks Are First Mile of Governance, Says Minister Pemmasani

Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani redefined the role of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) as the "first mile of governance," essential for connecting villages to government services. He praised their work in delivering mail, facilitating banking, Aadhaar, and passport services in every village. Pemmasani highlighted a major opportunity for India Post to grow in the e-commerce sector, noting its current parcel revenue is far less than private competitors. The government is working to modernize the Department of Posts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Key Points: Gramin Dak Sevaks: First Mile of Governance, Says MoS

  • GDS vital for rural service delivery
  • India Post eyes e-commerce expansion
  • Acts as bridge of trust in harsh conditions
  • Network includes over 2.5 lakh GDS
2 min read

Gramin Dak Sevaks are 1st mile of governance, not the last: MoS

Minister Pemmasani hails Gramin Dak Sevaks as the "heartbeat of rural India," crucial for delivering government services and expanding India Post's e-commerce role.

"You are not the last mile of governance -- you are the first mile. Without you, government services cannot reach the village. - Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani"

New Delhi, March 15

Gramin Dak Sevaks are not the last mile of governance but the first mile, and without them government services cannot reach villages, Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said on Sunday.

Speaking at a Gramin Dak Sevak Sammelan in Chennai, Pemmasani praised the role of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) in connecting rural India with government services.

He described them as the "heartbeat of rural India", saying they play a vital role in ensuring that services and schemes reach people living in villages across the country.

"You are not the last mile of governance -- you are the first mile. Without you, government services cannot reach the village," the minister said.

"From delivering letters and parcels to helping people access banking services, Aadhaar and passport-related services, postal workers serve every village, street and household," Pemmasani said.

He added that despite harsh weather conditions, they continue to act as a bridge of trust between the government and citizens.

Highlighting the growth of the logistics sector, Pemmasani said India Post has a major opportunity to expand its presence in the e-commerce market.

"India Post currently earns less than Rs 1,000 crore from parcel services, while a single private courier company generates around Rs 6,000 crore," he noted.

The minister said that for many decades India Post served as the backbone of communication in the country by delivering legal documents, money orders, newspapers and books.

"In many villages, postmen also helped people read and write letters, acting as a trusted link between rural communities and the outside world," the minister stated.

He highlighted that India today has one of the largest postal networks in the world. The system includes nearly four lakh regular employees and more than 2.5 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks working through over 1.6 lakh post offices.

Pemmasani also said the government is working to transform the Department of Posts into a modern, technology-driven logistics organisation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is a beautiful sentiment. Recognizing them as the "first mile" reframes their role from the end of a bureaucratic chain to the essential beginning of service delivery. Hope this recognition is followed by better pay and working conditions for them.
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Priyanka N
Absolutely correct. But words are not enough. The minister talks about e-commerce potential, but my cousin is a GDS and struggles with outdated technology and immense pressure. Modernization must include empowering them with tools, not just expecting more.
A
Aman W
The comparison with private courier revenue is eye-opening. India Post has the deepest reach. If they can improve speed and tracking for parcels, they can be a game-changer for rural artisans and farmers to sell online. Big opportunity!
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Kavitha C
"Bridge of trust" is the perfect term. During the pandemic, our local postman was the one delivering pensions and essential documents when everything was locked down. They deserve all the respect and support. Jai Hind!
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Michael C
Interesting perspective shift from "last mile" to "first mile". It highlights how frontline government workers are the face of the state for millions. A crucial institution that needs investment to stay relevant in the digital age.

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