Framing of New Regulations under the Post Office Act, 2023
The Government of India, through the Ministry of Communications and the Department of Posts, has initiated the process of framing new regulations following the enactment of “The Post Office Act, 2023.” This new legislation, effective from June 18, 2024, repeals the Indian Post Office Act of 1898. The primary objective of this overhaul is to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency, aligning with global trends and standards observed in private entities.
Key Objectives
- Enhancement of Customer Experience: Emphasis on improving service delivery.
- Operational Efficiency: Adopting practices that align with global trends.
- Product and Service Rationalization: Identifying and updating the list of postal products and services.
List of Mail Products/Services
| Sl. No. | Existing Product/Service | Brief on Product (Existing) | Proposed Action | Rationale for Proposed Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Letters | Traditional mail product enclosed in an envelope. | Retain | Part of Universal Postal Service. |
| 2 | Letter Cards | Communication on a sheet of paper, prescribed size & folding. | Retain | Part of Universal Postal Service. |
| 3 | Postcards | Open communication on a prescribed size card. | Retain | Part of Universal Postal Service. |
| 4 | Postcard containing printed communications | Postcard with printed communications, except sender details. | Omit (Merged with Postcard) | Reduces confusion and customer grievances. |
| 5 | Competition Postcards | Used in response to media competitions. | Omit | Obsolete due to mobile phones/Internet. |
| 6 | Book Packets | Packet communication without personal content. | Merge into Book Post | Uniformity and ease of working. |
| 7 | Book Packets containing Printed Books | Packets with printed books only. | Merge into Book Post | Uniformity and ease of working. |
| 8 | Book Packets containing periodicals | Periodicals published at regular intervals. | Merge into Book Post | Uniformity and ease of working. |
| 9 | Pattern and Sample Packets | Trade patterns or samples without saleable value. | Merge into Book Post | Uniformity and ease of working. |
| 10 | Business Reply Envelopes & Cards | Operates under permit for free return with postage charge. | Omit | Modern feedback methods like SMS/social media. |
| 11 | Registered Newspaper | Publication with political/news content. | Retain | Dissemination of information and social development. |
| 12 | Blind Literature Packets | Transmitting literature for the blind. | Retain | Part of Universal Postal Service. |
| 13 | Insurance | Covers all risks in postal transmission. | Retain | Secure service for valuable items. |
| 14 | Registration | Secure transmission with record-keeping. | Retain | Essential for secure mail. |
| 15 | Value Payable Post (VPP) | Payment upon receipt for articles sent. | Merge with COD | Similar service with higher limit and efficiency. |
| 16 | Indian Postal Orders | Represents money, used as fees for RTI and other government work. | Retain | Widely used for government transactions. |
| 17 | Electronic Money Order (eMO) | Sum of money sent electronically. | Retain | Used for social security benefits and personal occasions. |
| 18 | Family Allotment Money Order | Pay and allowances for armed forces personnel to family. | Omit | Almost no use and not available in system software. |
| 19 | Post Box | Pre-paid mail delivery to a designated box. | Retain (merge with Smart Delivery Box in future) | Customer convenience. |
| 20 | Post Bag | Similar to Post Box service. | Retain | Customer convenience. |
| 21 | Parcel | Any item except prohibited articles, with personal communication allowed. | Retain (with upgrade to track and trace) | Ensures delivery accountability. |
| 22 | Business Parcel | Premium surface service for business customers. | Retain | Reliable distribution solution. |
| 23 | Speed Post (Parcel) | Express delivery for parcels weighing up to 35 kg. | Retain | Affordable and time-bound service. |
| 24 | Logistics Post | Comprehensive value chain from collection to distribution. | Retain (with modification) | Efficient solution for business customers. |
| 25 | Value Added Service – COD | Collection of amount upon delivery of consignments. | Retain (with modification) | Customer convenience for cash on delivery. |
| 26 | Smart Delivery Box | Automated parcel delivery system via lockers. | Retain | Technological advancement in delivery. |
| 27 | Speed Post (Document) | Express delivery of letters. | Retain | Affordable and time-bound service. |
| 28 | National Bill Mail Service | Financial statements and similar items sent regularly. | Omit | Redundant, covered under Letter category. |
| 29 | Bill Mail Service | Similar to National Bill Mail Service. | Omit | Redundant, covered under Letter category. |
| 30 | Direct Post | Unaddressed postal articles for direct advertising. | Retain | Effective medium for direct advertising. |
| 31 | Media Post | Advertising through postal stationery and premises. | Retain | Cost-effective solution for reaching a wider audience. |
| 32 | Greeting Post | Greeting card with an embossed stamp. | Omit | Not relevant in present times. |
| 33 | Magazine Post | Efficient service for magazine deliveries. | Retain | Enhances delivery efficiency. |
| 34 | Meghdoot Postcard | Postcard with space for advertisements. | Omit (Merge with Media Post) | Uniformity in advertising services. |
| 35 | ePost | Electronic transmission combined with physical delivery. | Retain (with track and trace) | Combines technology with traditional delivery. |
| 36 | Business Post | Comprehensive mailing solutions for businesses. | Omit | Not an independent product; included as a value-added service. |
| 37 | Retail Post | Third-party services like bill collection at post offices. | Retain | Convenience for the general public. |
| 38 | Rakhi Mail Service | Specific service for sending rakhis. | Omit (keep as envelopes with delegated fee structure) | Not a separate product, part of envelopes. |
| 39 | Free Post Service | Special codes for receiving responses without reply cards. | Omit | Obsolete in modern communication methods. |
| 40 | Print to Post | Comprehensive printing and mailing services. | Omit (keep as value-added service) | Not widely used, requires significant infrastructure. |
| 41 | Foreign Post Letters | Similar to domestic letters for international mail. | Retain | Essential for international communication. |
| 42 | Aerogramme | Airmailed letters, priority items. | Retain | Essential for international communication. |
| 43 | M-Bag/Bulk Bag | Bags for printed papers to/from international addresses. | Retain | Essential for bulk international mail. |
| 44 | International Air Parcel Service | Fast merchandise services to UPU member countries. | Retain | Essential for international parcel delivery. |
| 45 | International Tracked Packet | International packets with tracking. | Retain | Secure and efficient international service. |
| 46 | Literature for the Blind | Similar to domestic service for the blind. | Retain | Essential for international accessibility. |
| 47 | International Postcard | Similar to domestic postcards for international mail. | Retain | Essential for international communication. |
| 48 | International Speed Post (EMS) | Express international postal service. | Retain | Quickest postal service for documents and merchandise. |
| 49 | International Air Parcels | Economical and fast merchandise services. | Retain | Essential for international parcel delivery. |
| 50 | International Tracked Packet | Similar to domestic tracked packets for international mail. | Retain | Secure and efficient international service. |
| 51 | Value Added Services (Insurance, Registration, Tracking) | Same as domestic services for international mail. | Retain | Essential for secure international mail. |
The Department of Posts is committed to modernizing and improving its services to better serve customers and meet global standards. Your feedback on the proposed changes is essential to ensure the new regulations are effective and comprehensive. Please submit your suggestions by 25th July 2024.
