Data Post 2001 to compile data on households

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, MARCH 19. The Department of Posts (DoP) on Monday launched ``Data Post 2001'', a computerised information system for compiling a database on households in the City, to facilitate introduction of Automatic Mail Processing Machines.

Launching the system, Ms. Prema Cariappa, Bangalore Mayor, said that a compilation of exhaustive and invaluable information on households could have been undertaken only by an appropriate authority such as the DoP, and it would contribute to the success of firms and businesses. She urged the public to extend their support to the endeavour.

Mr. B.N. Som, Secretary, Department of Posts, said the need for a single reliable source of household and business data for extensive customer outreach by firms and corporates encouraged the DoP to undertake such an initiative. Data Post 2001 was not a mere commercial activity but was aimed at increasing connectivity among the people especially between businesses and households. Corporates could buy information from the DoP based on their needs, he added.

He said Data Post 2001 would be compiled through a pre-designed questionnaire called ``Between Us'', which would be delivered to each household by the postman and collected by him after it was filled. The country would soon have a fully computerised postal system, and Data Post 2001, launched for the first time in the country in Bangalore, would help in this attempt. The data collection would begin next week, he added.

It would soon be launched in Hyderabad and later in all metros. The system had been developed at a cost of Rs. 40 lakhs and was funded by the DoP. The Telecommunications Consultancy India Limited and OgilvyOne would work with the DoP in conceptualising Data Post, Mr. Som added.

Mr. V.M. Kelkar, Chief Post Master General, Karnataka Circle, was present.

E-mail from post office

Addressing presspersons, Mr. Som said the department proposed to launch a new service by which members of the public could send electronic mail from the post office at an affordable cost.

He said around 200 locations across the country had already been identified, and the service would be launched in one month's time. The Postal Department would provide the service in collaboration with an Internet service provider, he added. He refused to give the name of the company.

The DoP would also initiate a computerised ``Track and Trace'' system to keep track of articles that were sent or received. The system would help check whether they had reached their destinations anywhere in the world. The facility would be initiated for articles sent through Speed Post and Express Parcel, and would later be provided for Money Order and insured articles, he added.

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Section  : Southern States
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