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- SEO Title: Outsiders Engaged Against Postman/MTS Leave Vacancies | TN Central Region Order 2026
- India Post Tamil Nadu Central Region allows outsiders on daily wages at Collectorate rates against Postman/MTS leave and vacant posts when no GDS is available. Read the key points.
- URL Slug: /tn-central-region-outsiders-postman-mts-leave-vacancy-2026
- Focus Keyword: Outsiders Against Postman MTS Vacancy
- Secondary Keywords: India Post Circulars, India Post Latest News, India Post Notifications, GDS to Postman, GDS to MTS, GDS to MTS Tamil Nadu Circle
- Tags: India Post, Tamil Nadu Circle, Central Region, Postman, MTS, GDS, BYOD Allowance, Circular 2026
What Is This Order About?
The Office of the Postmaster General, Central Region, Tamil Nadu (Tiruchirappalli) has issued a letter dated 18 September 2026 about engaging outsiders when a Postman or MTS is on leave, or when a Postman/MTS post is vacant.
A Service Union raised the issue in the Bi-Monthly Union Meeting held on 16.09.2026. The union asked that outsiders be allowed to work against these leave vacancies and vacant posts when no GDS official is available to officiate.
The Competent Authority has now agreed, with some conditions.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Issued By | O/o the Postmaster General, Central Region, Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli |
| Letter No. | STB/UNION DLGS/23/TR |
| Letter Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Subject | Engagement of outsiders against leave/absentee places of Postman/MTS |
| Raised In | Bi-Monthly Union Meeting dated 16.09.2026 |
| Sent To | All SSPOs/SPOs in Central Region and SSRM, RMS T Division |
| Approved By | PMG, Central Region |
| Signed By | Assistant Director (Staff), for Postmaster General |
Key Points in Simple Words
- First choice is still GDS: Outsiders can be engaged only when no GDS official is available for officiating duty.
- Payment: Outsiders will be paid daily wages at Collectorate rates.
- Purpose: To keep mail delivery running smoothly without delays.
- Not for casual leave: This does not apply to casual leave, where the combined beat arrangement will be used instead.
- Applies to: Earned Leave (EL), other kinds of leave and vacant posts, where a GDS officiating arrangement is not possible.
- BYOD allowance: Outsiders engaged this way may also get the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) allowance, as per existing rules.
Who Can Be Engaged? A Simple Order
- GDS officiating: always the first option
- Combined beat: used during casual leave
- Outsider on daily wages (Collectorate rate): only for EL, other leave or vacant posts, and only when no GDS is available
Why Does This Matter?
- For Postmen and MTS: Leave can be planned more easily, because the beat will not stay uncovered.
- For Divisions and Post Offices: Delivery work continues even when staff are short.
- For GDS employees: GDS still get first preference for officiating, which is valuable experience for Postman/MTS duties.
- For customers: Mail and parcels keep arriving on time.
A Message for GDS Colleagues
Officiating as a Postman or MTS is good practice, but a permanent promotion is better. Large numbers of vacant Postman/MTS posts mean more vacancies are likely through the GDS to Postman and GDS to MTS Departmental Exams.
If you are a GDS in the Tamil Nadu Circle, now is the right time to start preparing:
- Go through the GDS to MTS Syllabus and GDS to Postman Syllabus
- Practise with GDS to MTS Previous Year Question Papers and GDS to Postman Previous Year Question Papers
- Take regular GDS to MTS Mock Tests
- Join structured GDS to MTS Online Classes or GDS to Postman Coaching to finish the syllabus on time
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who issued this order?
The O/o the Postmaster General, Central Region, Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli, with the approval of the PMG.
Q2. When can outsiders be engaged against Postman/MTS posts?
Only when no GDS official is available for officiating duty.
Q3. How will outsiders be paid?
Daily wages at Collectorate rates. They may also get the BYOD allowance as per the existing rules.
Q4. Does this apply to casual leave?
No. For casual leave, the combined beat arrangement will be used.
Q5. Which cases does it cover?
Earned Leave, other leave and vacant posts of Postman/MTS where GDS officiating is not possible.
Q6. Which offices does this order cover?
All SSPOs/SPOs in Central Region (Tamil Nadu) and the SSRM, RMS T Division.