Keeping pace with changing scenario and demand of society, the Postal Department is coming up with new tie ups, value addition of existing services. In a conversation with ‘The Hitavada’, Chief Post Master General, MP Circle, Vineet Mathur opined that information technology revolution is not a threat to the conventional mailing system infact supporting it to a greater extent. Here are excerpts:  Q. 1 Every year, October 10 is celebrated as National Post Day in India. It has become 150 years old in the country.

 

Do you think in an era of instant messaging, has the old system of mailing become redundant? What are the measures department has taken to go with the fast changing world. A. There is no replacement of one service with another. Infact, I would like to mention that with technology Postal Department has got more advantage. Through technology we are able to circulate and public our diversified services among people. it is not a threat or challenge in fact proving a boon for Postal Department. The post office has a tradition of being at the forefront of technology.

 

When it comes to the IT revolution, the post office was among the first organisations to introduce computers in the early 1990s. We have collaborated with all our competitors as none of them have such a big network all over the country. Q. 2 Please throw some light on strategic alliances with Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. A. 2 As a part of the alliances with both the partners, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) will strive to make available affordable insurance products through its robust network of 650 branches and over 1,36,000 banking access points to citizens at large.

 

The scope of products shall include healthcare and mediclaim products, personal accident, vehicle, insurance amongst other innovative tailor made products to address the protection needs of Bharat. Postal service providers (Gramin Dak Sevaks and postmen) who are equipped with micro-ATMs and biometric devices will play an important role in distribution and promotion of these insurance products, focusing especially on unbanked and underserved customers at the last mile. Q. 3 Last but very important query, as the perception prevailing among people that Postal Department is going to discontinue its iconic Registered post service.

 

Only speed post will be the option available. What is the fact? India Post bids farewell to a 50-year legacy of this crucial service which holds legal importance as well. A. This is not true. Indian Postal Department is providing this service since several decades and it will continue. If a person goes to the post office and asked for registered post, he/she will get it with proper envelop marked with registered and bar code. It is neither changed nor discontinued although there is slight some around 15% increase in cast of this service. At the same, it is also correct that it has been integrated with the speed post aiming to increase speed and processing.