Representatives of employee organisations of the Department of Posts have backed the ongoing transformation of India Post into a broader citizen-centric service network, highlighting the expansion of postal, banking and other public services through its nationwide network.
The employee representatives met Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh in New Delhi on 14 September, where they discussed the transformation of postal services as well as issues concerning employees, employee organisations and pensioners.
India Post has expanded beyond traditional mail delivery to offer services such as faster delivery, Aadhaar-related facilities, PAN and Passport Seva services, doorstep banking and digital pension services. The postal network has also expanded its financial services footprint through India Post Payments Bank and doorstep banking, particularly in rural areas.
Digital Life Certificate services have further enabled pensioners to access essential services through the postal network. The department’s extensive reach is also being used to provide last-mile access to government and financial services.
The employee organisations also raised several service-related and organisational matters, including recognition and verification of employee organisations, representation in departmental forums, pension-related issues and long-pending service matters. Concerns relating to certain employee categories and service benefits were also discussed.
The interaction also covered the potential for greater use of the postal network for government programmes, citizen outreach and last-mile service delivery.
The Department of Posts’ role during the Covid-19 pandemic was also highlighted, when postal employees continued providing essential services, including doorstep banking and cash delivery, while postal infrastructure was used to transport medical and protective supplies.
The government said matters raised by employee representatives that require further examination would be considered through the appropriate administrative process.
