Secretary Posts Inaugurates India Post Pavilion at IITF-2011

A Set of Two Stamps on “CHILDREN’S DAY” Which were Released

India Posts is participating in India International Trade Fair – 2011 organized by ITPO from 14.11.2011 to 27.11.2011 at Pragati Maidan. Ms. Manjula Prasher, Secretary Posts inaugurated the India Post’s pavilion today set up at Hall No. 12 in Pragati Maidan. A set of commemorative Postal Stamps on Children’s Day was also released by her on this occasion.

Following are the attractions of the pavilion:-

- Project Arrow - Transformation of Rural Post Offices

- A variety of Premium Products/Services

- Tailor made solutions for your mailing needs

- Customized Business Packages for Corporate Customer

- Solution for your logistics needs

- Financial Services

- Insurance Services

- Philatelic Stamps/Stationery

- Flat Rate Parcel Boxes- Domestic & International

- Print to Post – offering services printing, pre-mailing and dispatch of mail under one roof.

A puppet show was also organized on the occasion underlining the importance of post offices in the life of common man.

Every Year the Department of Posts brings out special Postage Stamp on Children’s Day to mark the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru on 14th Novemeber.

Going by the tradition, Department of Posts has issued a set of two stamps on “Children’s Day” which were released by Ms. Manjula Prasher, Secretary (Posts), during a formal function organized at India Post Pavilion, IITF-2011, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

India Post, to create awareness on the tigers which are one of the most endangered species in the world and also on the verge of extinction, conducted “Design A Stamp” contest with the theme to save “The Tiger” on 12.12.2010 as one of the special events of INDIPEX-2011.

Children through their paintings had highlighted the critical areas that have caused the drastic decline of tiger population in India in a creative way. This year INDIA POST is presenting the collection of prize winning entries, at the national level on a set of two stamps, miniature sheet, First Day Cover.

Each painting is a message in itself with the plea to all of us that saving the tiger will save our ecosystem for the generations to come.

These stamps FDC, Minisheet and cancellations were designed by Ms. Alka Sharma.

Revision of PPOs of pre-2006 family pensioners

Implementation of Government decision on the recommendations of the 5th Central Pay Commission - Revision of Pension of pre and post-1986 pensioners/family pensioners etc. - Consideration of application for revision of pesion/family pension.

Appointment of Information Commissioners in the Central Information Commission.

Highlights of draft Post Office Bill 2011

 

All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of September, 2011 increased by 3 points and stood at 197 (one hundred & ninety seven) .

During September, 2011, the index recorded maximum increase of 5 points each in Darjeeling and Rourkela centres, 4 points each in Mysore, Ernakulam, Bokaro, Delhi, Quilon, Mumbai, Indore and Yamunanagar centres, 3 points in 13 centres, 2 points in 21 centres and 1 point in 24 centres. The index decreased by 2 points in Giridih centre, 1 point each in Bhilwara and Monger Jamalpur centres while in the remaining 7 centres the index remained stationary.

The maximum increase of 5 points in Darjeeling centre is mainly on account of increase in the prices of Milk (Cow), Onion, Garlic, Chillies Green, Vegetable & Fruit items, Tea Leaf, Sugar, Firewood, etc. The increase of 5 points in Rourkela centre is mainly due to increase in the prices of Rice, Fish Fresh, Milk (Cow), Onion, Vegetable items, Snack Saltish, Firewood, Kerosene Oil, etc. The increase of 4 points each in Mysore, Ernakulam, Bokaro, Delhi, Quilon, Mumbai, Indore and Yamunanagar centres is due to increase in the prices of Milk, Groundnut Oil, Onion, Vegetable & Fruit items, Electricity Charges, Bus Fare, Petrol, etc. The decrease of 2 points in Giridih centre is the outcome of decrease in the prices of Arhar Dal, Vegetable & Fruit items, etc. The decrease of 1 point in Bhilwara centre is due to decrease in the prices of Wheat, Vegetable items, etc. In Munger Jamalpur centre this decrease is due to decrease in the prices of Masur Dal, Vegetable items, Secondary Fee, etc.

The indices in respect of the six major centres are as follows :

Ahmedabad    193

Delhi               182

Bangalore       197

Kolkata          193

Chennai          175

Mumbai          199

The All-India (General) point to point rate of inflation for the month of September, 2011 is 10.06% as compared to 8.99% in August, 2011. Inflation based on Food Index is 8.29% in September, 2011 as compared to 7.33% in August, 2011.

The CPI-IW for October, 2011 will be released on the last working day of the next month, i.e. 30th November, 2011.

HAPPY DIWALI TO ALL OUR MEMBERS, READERS, WELL-WISHERS

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PURCHASE OF GOODS

Shri Kapil Sibal Addresses Economic Editors’ Conference 2011 : - Detailed Project Report For Postal Bank to be Finalized in Next Six Months

One organization and sector which is rarely talked in public but which is equally important for empowering the common man is Postal Department. With its network of 1.55 lakh post offices and wide range of financial, mailing and insurance, post offices in India have the enormous potential to join and ride on the ICTE agenda. To enable post offices to serve the 21st century Indians, reform agenda is underway

“One, Indian Post Office Bill 2011. To reform and open the Indian Postal Market, which will ultimately result in a vibrant industry and satisfied customers. The bills aims to open the Indian postal market with 50 gm privilege to India Post for a maximum of 15 years, registration of couriers by an independent registration authority and USO of postal sector to be borne wholly by the government. Discussions with stakeholders ( couriers, industry bodies and government agencies) is underway and bill will shortly introduced in the Parliament for approval.

“Two, IT Modernization Project. It has been approved by the Cabinet and essentially involves

• Computerization and networking of 1.55 lakh post offices.
• Core banking solution for Anytime Anywhere Banking through Post Offices with ATM facility
• Delivery of banking, insurance and mailing services in rural areas through hand held device.
• Postal Network to deliver a host of retail ( banking, financial and e-com services) with technology enabled  solutions
• Post Offices to become hub of social security payment through digital network

“Three, setting up of Postal Bank of India – Detailed Project Report will be finalized in next six months. This will enable India Post to extend micro credit and other loans through vast network of 1.55 lakh post offices. Coupled with other financial services like micro remittance, micro insurance and micro pensions, postal bank of India will help to achieve the goal of financial inclusion in India

“Four, Commercialization of Postal Network in India, to ensure that a large number of financial, insurance and physical goods and services are delivered to the common man though India Post

Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government Pensioners Family Pensioners - Revised rate effective from 1.7.2011

Multi Tasking Staff (Amendment) Recruitment Rules, 2011...

Encoding Mail Delivery Beats

After a review of the allocation, usage and implementation of the Customer Pin Codes (i.e. special six digiit PIN codes allocated by Circles to the bulk addresses

Grant of Special Allowance for child care for women with disability.

 

HAPPY DASSERA TO READERS, POSTAL WORKERS AND ALL OUR MEMBERS

Payment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees - Revised Rates effective from 01.07.2011-orders issued by Department of Finance

All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of August, 2011 increased by 1 point and stood at 194 (one hundred & ninety four) .

During August, 2011, the index recorded maximum increase of 9 points in Amritsar centre, 8 points each in Bhilwara and Chindwara centres, 6 points in Kolkata centre, 5 points in Jharia centre, 4 points in 6 centres, 3 points in 7 centres, 2 points in 16 centres and 1 point in 16 centres. The index decreased by 3 points each in Giridih, Quilon and Kodarma centres, 2 points in Rajkot centre, 1 point in 9 centres while in the remaining 15 centres the index remained stationary.

The maximum increase of 9 points in Amritsar centre is mainly on account of increase in the prices of Rice, Wheat Atta, Fresh Milk, Onion, Vegetable & Fruit items, Tea (Readymade), Kerosene Oil, Electricity Charges, Medicine (Allopathic), etc. The increase of 8 points each in Bhilwara and Chindwara centres is due to increase in the prices of Wheat, Gram Dal, Groundnut Oil, Soyabeen Oil, Milk, Onion, Vegetable & Fruit items, Tea (Readymade), Bidi, Firewood, Toilet Soap, etc. The increase of 6 points in Kolkata centre is due to increase in the prices of Rice, Wheat Atta, Fish Fresh, Onion, Vegetable & Fruit items, Soft Coke, etc. The increase of 5 points in Jharia centre is due to increase in the prices of Rice, Mustard Oil, Fish Fresh, Onion, Vegetable & Fruit items, Electricity Charges, Soft Coke etc. The decrease of 3 points each in Giridih, Quilon and Kodarma centres is the outcome of decrease in the prices of Rice,Wheat Atta, Masur Dal, Turmeric Powder, Fish Fresh, Fire Wood, Soft Coke, etc. The decrease of 2 points in Rajkot centre is due to decrease in the prices of Arhar Dal, Vegetable and Fruit items, etc.

The indices in respect of the six major centres are as follows :

Ahmedabad      191

Delhi                 178

Bangalore         194

Kolkata            192

Chennai            172

Mumbai            195

The All-India (General) point to point rate of inflation for the month of August, 2011 is 8.99% as compared to 8.43% in July, 2011. Inflation based on Food Index is 7.33% in August, 2011 as compared to 6.25% in July, 2011.

The CPI-IW for September, 2011 will be released on the last working day of the next month, i.e. 31st October, 2011.

Removal of ceiling of maximum balance to be retained in a post office savings account- amendment to Rule-4 of the Post Office Savings Account Rules 1981...

The Limited Departmental Competitive Examination for promotion to the cadre of Postal Service Group 'B' - 2011 held on 29-05-2011 - Question Booklet Series and Keys...

The Limited Departmental Competitive Examination for promotion to the cadre of Postmaster Grade -I held on 12-06-2011 - Question Booklet Series and Keys...

Guidelines regarding grant of Vigilance Clearance to members of Central Civil Services-Posts.

Observation of Honourable Supreme Court on Right to Information Act, 2005 in Civil Appeal no.6454 of 2011, arising out of SLP (C) No.7526/2009 in the case of Central Board of Secondary Education and Anr.Vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay and Ors.

60 DAYS PL BONUS 2010-11 DECLARED BY DEPARTMENT OF POST (PLEASE CLICK)

Amended Recruitment Rules for Sports Coaches and Sports Inspectors – Department of Post -(Notification) thereon

DOPT ISSUED ORDERS FOR 25% INCREASE OF FESTIVAL ADVANCE, BY-CYCLE ADVANCE, NATURAL CALAMITY ADVANCE AND WARM CLOTHING ADVANCE. NO FURTHER ORDERS ARE NECESSARY WHENEVER THE DA PAYABLE ON THE REVISED PAY STRUCTURE GOES UP BY 50 %

CCS (LTC) RULES, 1988 - RELAXATION FOR TRAVEL BY AIR TO VISIT J&K

Revision of Special Allowance and Cash Handling Allowance as a result of enhancement of DA w.e.f. 1.1.2011

CCS (Leave) (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2011- in connection with CCL

CCS (Leave) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2011- in connection with - Encashment of Earned Leave along with Leave Travel Concession while in service. -

Notification for Pre-2006 Pensioners/Family Pensioners seeking of information to facilitate revision of pension as per 6th CPC

Release of additional instalment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners

The Union Cabinet today approved release of additional instalment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners as due from 01.07.2011 at the rate of  7% over the existing rate of 51 %

The total financial implications on account of both Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief would be Rs.7228.76 crore per annum and Rs.4819.22 crore in the current financial year.

As Per CVC's Advice Penality imposed by Department of Post

MARTOLIA N S

SR SUPDT

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

29/07/2011

WITHHOLDING OF 10% OF MONTHLY PENSION FOR THREE YEARS

Probation in various Central Civil Services.

Admissibility of commission to SAS Agents & Procedure to be followed during voucher checking by SBCO staff-a clarification regarding.

SB ORDER NO. 17/2011

No.116-01/2007-SB

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110001, Dated: 09.09.2011

To


All Heads of Circles/Regions
Addl. Director General, APS, New Delhi.

Subject:- Admissibility of commission to SAS Agents.

Sir / Madam,

        The undersigned is directed to say that there are lot of audit paras raised by teams of DG P&T Audit in many circles regarding irregular commission paid to SAS agents where the investment was made exceeding the limit of Rs.50,000/- by cash at a time. One Draft Audit Para relating to Delhi and NE Circles has become CAG Para.

       As per agency rules, prior to issue of SB Order No.3/2011 dated 11.3.2011, limit for acceptance of cash at a time from SAS agents was Rs.50,000/- which has now been reduced to Rs.10,000/-. In 2004, Regional Director, National Savings Institute, New Delhi vide letter no.Misc/2004 dated 3.11.2001 had intimated the Delhi Circle that agents are not entitled for commission cash deposits of more than Rs. 50,000/- at a time. CAG Para was also referred to Min. of Finance (DEA) which opined that commission if paid in such cases is irregular and recovery of commission paid cannot be waived.

       It is therefore requested that where any SAS agent deposited cash more than Rs.50,000/- at a time in any post office and commission was paid to him, the commission paid has to be recovered from the concerned agent if his agency is active and action should be taken against the officials responsible for accepting cash deposits exceeding the prescribed limit. Where the agent is inactive but his agency is not lapsed, his appointing authority may be asked to recover the amount from his security deposit. In case the agency of agent is expired and not further renewed or agent has already expired, such cases may be referred to this office.

      In future, it may be ensured that no cash more than the prescribed limit of Rs.10,000/- at a time should be accepted from the SAS agents as no commission is payable on such irregular deposits.

      It is requested that necessary action may be taken immediately to circulate this letter to field units and any violation of these orders by postal staff should be viewed seriously.

      This issues with the approval of DDG(FS).

Yours faithfully,

(Kawal Jit Singh)

Assistant Director (SB)

Copy to:-


1. DDG(FS)/DDG(VIG)/JS&FA/DDG(PAF/DDG(RB)/DDG (Estt.)
2. Director (Tech) O/o Pr. CPMG T..N Circle.
3. Director (FS)/Director (CBS), Dak Bhawan.
4. Director of Audit (P&T), Delhi.
5. All Directors/Dy. Directors of Accounts, Postal
6. Director, Postal Staff College, Ghaziabad.
7. All Directors, Postal Training Centres.
8. Director PTC Mysore for uploading the SB order on India Post Web Site.
9. A.D (Tech), SDC Chennai O/o CPMG T.N.Circle, Chennai.
10. AD /Inspection/PF/Vigilance
11. All Accounts Officers ICO(SB)
12. All recognized unions.
13. MOF(DEA), NS-II, North Block, New Delhi
14. Director, NSI, CGO Complex,’A’Wing, 4th Floor, Seminary Hills, Nagpur-440006
15. PS to Member (T)
16. PPS to Secretary Posts.

SB ORDER NO. 18/2011

No.116-01/2011-SB(AO)

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110001, Dated: 13.09.2011

To


All Heads of Circles/Regions
Addl. Director General, APS, New Delhi.

Subject:- Procedure to be followed during voucher checking by SBCO staff-a clarification regarding.


Sir / Madam,

The undersigned is directed to say that procedure of checking of vouchers of deposits/new accounts opened/withdrawals/closures of accounts etc. under various schemes have been laid down in the Postal Manual of Savings Bank Control, Pairing and Internal Check Organization. The work of SBCO is to ensure that all relevant rules/procedure and orders issued from time to time are followed by the operative staff in the post offices.

It has been brought to the notice of this office that some of the officials working in the SBCO are of the view that Rule and Procedures laid down in various POSB Manuals are not meant for SBCO. It is clarified that though it is duty of the operative staff in post offices to follow the laid down rules and procedures in various POSB Manuals and SB Orders issued from time to time, SBCO staff is also equally responsible to ensure that operative staff is following the rules/procedure and orders issued from time to time scrupulously and in case of any violation found during voucher checking, an objection has to be raised as per laid down procedure in the Manual of SB Control, Pairing and Internal Check Organization.

It is requested that necessary action may be taken immediately to circulate this clarification to the field units particularly SBCO staff.

This issues with the approval of DDG(FS).

Yours faithfully,

(Kawal Jit Singh)

Assistant Director (SB)

Copy to:-


1. DDG(FS)/DDG(VIG)/JS&FA/DDG(PAF/DDG(RB)/DDG (Estt.)
2. Director (Tech) O/o Pr. CPMG T..N Circle.
3. Director (FS)/Director (CBS), Dak Bhawan.
4. Director of Audit (P&T), Delhi.
5. All Directors/Dy. Directors of Accounts, Postal
6. Director, Postal Staff College, Ghaziabad.
7. All Directors, Postal Training Centres.
8. Director PTC Mysore for uploading the SB order on India Post Web Site.
9. A.D (Tech), SDC Chennai O/o CPMG T.N.Circle, Chennai.
10. AD /Inspection/PF/Vigilance
11. All Accounts Officers ICO(SB)
12. All recognized unions.
13. MOF(DEA), NS-II, North Block, New Delhi
14. Director, NSI, CGO Complex,’A’Wing, 4th Floor, Seminary Hills, Nagpur-440006
15. PS to Member (T)
16. PPS to Secretary Posts.

Grant of Family Pension to dependent parents of deceased Govt Servant

May Lord Ganesh shower you with succss in all your Endeavours

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi.

CCS (Leave) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2011.

Clarification regarding release of Severance Amount in respect of the GDS expired before subscribing under SDBScheme

Restriction on opening of more than one account in the same scheme in the name of same depositor or acceptance of more than one purchase application of the same scheme in the name of same depositor in one post office on a single day- a further clarification regarding. 

Settlement of deceased claim case in respect of Sr. Citizen’s Savings Scheme account- a clarification regarding.

Grant of Savings Bank Allowance to Postal Assistants working in Savings  Bank/certificate branches- holding of SB Aptitude Test regarding

‘Janma’ means birth and

‘ashtami’ means the eighth.

Janmashtami refers to the birth of Krishna,

which took place on the eighth day of the

second fortnight in the month of Sravana.

Celebrate the Birth of Krishna…!

Modernisation of Department of Posts

Government has approved the ‘IT MODERNIZATION PROJECT’ of Department of Posts for computerization of Post Offices, Mail Offices, Administrative Offices and other field offices. This will involve establishment of required IT infrastructure, development of required software applications with an outlay of Rs.1877.2 crore.

The project has the following salient features:

• It will establish IT infrastructure of Data Centre and Disaster Recovery Centre and networking of all Departmental Post Offices including appropriate connectivity in the Branch Post Offices in the rural area.
• The project envisages development of integrated modular scalable applications for Mail, kBanking, Postal Life Insurance, solutions for Accounts and HR operations of the department.
• The rural post offices will be provided with rural ICT devices with required applications for performing Postal, Savings Bank, Insurance, MGNREGS and Money Order operations.
• Provision has been made for training, change management, capacity building of the employees of the department along with Project Management activity for smooth and timely implementation of the project.

It is planned to network all Departmental Post Offices and Branch Post Offices in the country subject to availability of connectivity and resources under the “India Post Technology Project-2012”.

The departmental Post Offices are proposed to be networked with appropriate connectivity. Branch Post Offices located in rural areas are proposed to be networked using available connectivity at these locations. The rural ICT Devices in the Branch Post Offices will have the capacity to work in both online/offline mode. The IT project is expected to be implemented by 2012-13 subject to the availability of funds.

This information was given by Shri Sachin Pilot, the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

Operational Instructions for Post Offices to act as Registrar to Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)...

Standard Operating procedure for Printing, Booking, Transmission & Delivery of letters carrying UID Numbers of residents...

Standard Operating & Accounting Procedure for Print to Post Service...

New Speed Post discount structure, operational mechanism and procedure of delivery...

Thousands laid down their lives so that our country is breathing this day Never forget...

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY.......

HAPPY RAKSHA-BANDHAN to all readers and viewers

Secretary (Posts) congratulate Postmasters (Grade I)......

CLARIFICATION OVER-RESTRICTION OF OPENING OF MORE THAN ONE ACCOUNT IN THE SAME SCHEME IN THE NAME OF SAME DEPOSITOR OR ACCEPTANCE OF MORE THAN ONE PURCHASE APPLICATION OF THE SAME SCHEME IN THE NAME OF SAME DEPOSITOR IN ONE POST OFFICE ON A SINGLE DAY

Declining of Postmaster Grade-1

CBI registers a case against  Shri M.S.Bali the then Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra & Goa for possession of Disproportionate Assests.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against the then Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra & Goa U/s 13(1)(e) r/w 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 for possession of disproportionate assets to tune of Rs.94,23,887/- to his known sources of income.

It is alleged that the accused while working as Chief PostMaster General, Maharashtra and Goa, Mumbai had accumulated disproportionate assets by mis-using his official position which was disproportionate to his known sources of income. He is found in possession of number of flats / plots at Bhopal, Gwalior and Faridabad. He is holding a number of accounts at various banks and post offices in his name and in the name of his family members having heavy credit balance.

During searches at his residence, Foreign Currencies, Jewellery were found & seized and a cash amount of Rs.33/- lakh (approx.) was also recovered.

CBI had earlier registered a separate bribery case of Rs. two crore against the accused in February, 2010 and after investigation a chargesheet was filed in the designated court.

Further Investigation is in progress.

India Post wins Today's Traveller Award for Best Customer Service Organization 2011...

Application format for issue of post office identity cards through post offices...

Inclusion of names of members of family in the PPO and proof of age for additional quantum of family pension - requirement of certificate etc.

Revision of pension/family pension in respect of the pensioners who were in receipt of compulsory retirement pension and compassionate allowance under Rules 40 and 41 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972

Allocation of Inspectors of Posts - Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2010

Allocation of candidates to Postal Circles nominated for appointment as Inspectors of Posts by Staff Selection Commission on the basis of Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2010

Grant of Grade Pay of Rs.1900, Rs.2000 w.e.f 1.1.2006 to those Group D (MTS) who were given TBOP/BCR before 1.1.2006

Directorate had notified admissibility of Grade Pay of Rs.1900 & Rs.2000 with effect from 1.1.2006 to those Group D ( MTS) who were given TBOP/BCR before 1.1.2006 vis-a-vis ap ...

Under the leadership of Mannaniya Shrish Parkar President of MNJS and Sirchitanis of MNS, Maharashtra Navnirman Janadhikar Sena has taken seveal issues in "public interest" and thereby to fill up vacancies inorder to give better services to member of public . The copy of memorandum is furnished as under. On this basis charge of Business Develpoment of Col Mishra has been taken out immediately. Further development on other issue is also being done very soon. Seperate instructions are being issued by C.O.  

CHANGE IN DESIGNATION OF SORTING POSTMAN-CLARIFICATION THEREON

The Micro Finance Institutions(Development and Regulation) Bill

Post Office Savings Accounts to be taxed from current fiscal

The government has decided to levy tax on the interest obtained on Post Office savings schemes from the current financial year.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes ( CBDT )) has brought out a notification in this regard recently, which stipulates that any interest earned beyond Rs 3,500 (in case of individual accounts) and Rs 7,000 (in case of joint accounts) will be taxable from the running fiscal.

The CBDT-- which is the administrative authority of the Income Tax Department-- has issued the notification to all the tax collection ranges across the country for implementation.

Taxpayers will have to reflect this investment on their income tax returns.

"Taxpayers who now invest in the post office saving accounts schemes will now have to show the interest earned on this scheme while filing their income tax returns. Interest upto Rs 3,500, in case of single accounts and and Rs 7,000 in case of joint accounts, is exempted," a senior I-T official said.

The Assessing Officer (AO) will compute the tax on the interest earned, beyond the exemption limit, accordingly, he said.

The current interest rates for Post Office savings deposits is 3.5 per cent per annum.

The minimum investment limit in this scheme is Rs 50 while the maximum limit is Rs one lakh for an individual account and Rs 2 lakh in case of a joint account.

Sibal Holds Round Table Consultations on Partnering India Post: 2012 and Beyond

Sh. Kapil Sibal, the Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology held a Round Table Conference here today with the stakeholders to deliberate upon “Partnering India Post: 2012 and Beyond”. Opening the deliberations Shri Sibal said that this conference has been organized to enable this national asset to play a bigger and effective role in the socio and economic development of the nation. The deliberations will help understand the areas, methods and challenges for developing a symbiotic and long term relationship between india post and key stakeholders. This will also help department of posts to develop the future business model and its integration with the technological architecture of india post 2012 project - an ambitious programme of computerizing and digitally connecting the entire postal network which is likely to further strengthen our potentials and the capabilities.

Key Stakeholders from Banking/ Insurance/ Telecom/ FMCG/ IT/ e-Commerce/ Logistics/ Publications/ Financial Institutions/ Government Ministries & Departments/ Industry Associations/ Academic sector participated in the Round Table conference and engaged into discussions to give shape to the India Post 2012 Project and explore strategic tie-ups with India Post as follows:-

- Public sector banks for retailing of loan products, mutual funds and other new age financial products including micro-insurance, micro-lending, livelihood linkages, pensions, and remittances etc.

- E-commerce portals.

- Logisics for semi-urban and rural areas for consumer or FMCG goods.

- Logistics for print media companies or distance education universities / institutions.

- Central Government Ministries and State Governments for data collection services, delivery of social security schemes like MGNREGS, NRHM etc through Post Office system.

India Post 2012 Project aims at transforming Department of Posts into a “Technology Enabled, Self Reliant Market Leader.” This translates into 5 initiatives covering increased market share and revenues, new products and services, improved services delivery, motivated workforce and rural development.

India Post with its vast network of 1.5 lakh Post-Offices and the huge bouquet of services including mails, logistics, finance, deposits, insurance, savings and retailing, have the potential to play an extremely vital role in accelerating economic growth.

The participants from across the industry sectors put forth a number of ideas for symbiotic strategic tie-ups, beneficial for both India Post and business partners which were duly appreciated by Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India making the Round Table conference a success. Shri Sachin Pilot, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications & IT, Government of India summarized the deliberations of the round table conference at the end of the conference.

Concluding the deliberations the Minister of State for Communications and IT, Shri Sachin Pilot said that today’s consultations show that Department of Posts belongs to all. This should be a beginning for new endeavours, financial inclusion and opportunities for rural masses.

About seventy representatives of various Departments, PSUs, Banks and corporate world participated. Secretary, Department of Posts and senior officers of the Department were also present.