GUNTUR, India — Gramin Dak Sevaks keep rural India connected, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia said Saturday. Speaking at the Gramin Dak Sevak Sammelan here in Andhra Pradesh, Scindia called the postal workers “the backbone of rural India.”

These sevaks ensure last-mile delivery across the nation’s 6.3 lakh villages, he noted. They brave scorching heat, heavy rains, cyclones and snow in Kashmir’s remote areas to serve people, Scindia said. “They are one of the most shining jewels of Mother India,” he added, likening their role to blood flowing through the human body to sustain life.

Scindia’s remarks came during an event celebrating the contributions of these grassroots postal employees. Gramin Dak Sevaks, or GDS, operate branch post offices in villages, handling mail, savings schemes and other services where full post offices don’t exist. Their network reaches corners of the country that formal infrastructure often misses.

“In every condition, they serve the nation,” Scindia told the gathering. He highlighted their dedication amid natural disasters and harsh climates. The minister’s praise highlights the government’s recognition of GDS as vital to India’s postal system, which boasts the world’s largest network.

The event in Guntur drew sevaks from across Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states. Scindia, who also oversees civil aviation and development of north eastern region, used the platform to boost morale among these frontline workers. GDS employees, often part-time, play key roles in financial inclusion through schemes like India Post Payments Bank.

India has over 300,000 GDS personnel, according to postal department figures. Scindia emphasized their importance in bridging urban-rural divides. “Without them, last-mile connectivity would collapse,” he stated.

The sammelan featured discussions on welfare schemes for GDS, including revised pay and pensions. Officials said recent hikes have improved compensation, with minimum pay rising to 12,000 rupees monthly for some categories. Scindia reiterated the government’s commitment to their upliftment.

His comments align with broader efforts to modernize the postal service. India Post has expanded digital services, from e-commerce logistics to Aadhaar enrollment. Yet GDS remain the human link in this chain, Scindia stressed.

Audience members applauded his words. One sevak from coastal Andhra shared stories of delivering mail during cyclones. “We go where roads end,” he said. Scindia nodded in agreement, calling for more support to match their sacrifices.

The minister’s visit to Guntur highlights the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government’s focus on rural outreach ahead of state elections. Andhra Pradesh, ruled by a TDP-JSP-BJP alliance, sees such events as morale boosters for ground-level workers.