CITU Condemns Vindictive Dismissal of Gramin Dak Sevak Union Leader S.S. Mahadevaiah

New Delhi, 9 October 2025: The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has strongly condemned the dismissal of S.S. Mahadevaiah, General Secretary of the All India Gramin Dak Sevak Union (AIGDSU), affiliated with the National Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE). The organization described this as a vindictive and authoritarian action by the Postal Department, allegedly influenced by the policies of the Government of India.

Dismissal Termed as “Vindictive and Unconstitutional”

According to CITU’s official press release, the dismissal of S.S. Mahadevaiah is seen as an attempt to suppress democratic voices within the postal workforce. The statement accuses the Department of Posts and the Central Government of targeting employees who assert their constitutional rights and raise legitimate demands through strikes and union action.

The union highlighted that Mahadevaiah’s only “offence” was leading a strike of Gramin Dak Sevaks to protest against the Government’s anti-employee policies and to demand long-pending reforms for postal staff. CITU stated that such disciplinary actions reflect a broader attempt to weaken collective bargaining rights and silence labor movements in India.

Privatization Concerns Under Post Offices Act 2023

The CITU statement also criticized the Post Offices Act 2023, describing it as a step toward the privatization of India’s postal services. The organization alleged that the law aligns with a “corporate servile neoliberal policy framework” that undermines public postal service operations for the benefit of private entities.

“This act of vindictive dismissal with a vengeance is part of an authoritarian onslaught,” CITU noted, adding that it threatens the democratic rights of postal workers and their unions.

CITU Extends Full Support to Postal Employees

In the press release, Tapan Sen, General Secretary of CITU, urged the Department of Posts and the Central Government to immediately revoke the dismissal order. CITU reaffirmed its solidarity with the postal employees and their ongoing struggle for labor rights, union recognition, and resistance against privatization.

“The right to strike and protest in defense of workers’ rights is a basic constitutional right,” the statement said, adding that any attack on union leaders is an attack on the fundamental democratic values of the country.

Background

S.S. Mahadevaiah has been a key leader representing Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS)—the backbone of India’s rural postal network. Under his leadership, AIGDSU has consistently raised issues related to pay revision, job security, and working conditions for GDS employees.

The controversy surrounding his dismissal has sparked widespread reactions from postal employees, with unions across India condemning the move and calling for nationwide solidarity actions.

Contact Information

Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
B.T. Ranadive Bhawan, 13-A, Rouse Avenue, New Delhi – 110002
📞 +91 11 2322 1288 / 2322 1306 | Fax: +91 11 2322 1284
🌐 www.citucentre.org
📧 citubtr@gmail.com

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is S.S. Mahadevaiah?

S.S. Mahadevaiah is the General Secretary of the All India Gramin Dak Sevak Union (AIGDSU), representing rural postal employees across India.

2. Why did CITU condemn the dismissal?

CITU believes that the dismissal of Mahadevaiah was a politically motivated act aimed at silencing employee unions and preventing them from asserting their rights.

3. What is the Post Offices Act 2023?

The Post Offices Act 2023 is a law enacted by the Government of India that redefines the postal framework. Trade unions have criticized it as a move towards privatization of the postal services.

4. What action has CITU demanded?

CITU has urged the Department of Posts and the Central Government to immediately rescind the dismissal order and respect the democratic rights of postal workers.