Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Protectionism

The editorial "Of mail regulation and monopoly" (April 29) is timely. Monopoly invariably leads to lethargy, as it is nothing but protectionism. Hence the Draft Indian Post Office (Amendment) Bill, 2006, that proposes to give Indiapost the exclusive right to carry letters weighing up to 300 grams is unwelcome. The postal department, with its enviable network, lakhs of trained personnel, and control of the Mail Motor Service and the Railway Mail Service, is well equipped to meet the challenge of courier companies.

K.D. Viswanaathan,
Coimbatore

If the Government wants to help Indiapost, it should evolve schemes that match those of courier companies at competitive rates. It can explore possibilities such as `priority mails' as in the U.S., which promises delivery of letters in two or three days to compete with companies like FedEx and UPS. The argument that courier companies do not serve remote areas is not valid because they are relatively new compared to the Postal Department, which is 150 years old. With time, they too will be able to reach out to remote areas.

A. Balakrishnan,
Chennai

The bill is a step towards stifling the growth of the economy. The postal department has one of the most enviable networks in the world. It should tap this unique strength to its advantage.

Sampath S. Chakravarti,
Bangalore

The people are unlikely to have forgotten the deplorable delays in mail delivery when the postal department had a monopoly. Particularly during festival season when there was bulk post, complaints of non-receipt of letters and greetings were regular. The 300 gram privilege sought to be extended to Indiapost will throw many young men out of employment, including students who work as part-time courier boys.

V.R. Krishnan,
Chennai

As one who worked in the combined Post & Telegraph Department, I am reminded of an incident. The postal wing introduced an express letter service at extra cost. In one official meeting, the Secretary expressed concern over the delay in the delivery of letters through the service. He said even ordinary letters were delivered faster. An official, known for his wit and cynicism, suggested: "delay the ordinary service."

The bid to improve the financial position of the postal department by practically killing courier services is akin to the suggestion.

T.V. Sivakumaran,
Bangalore

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

More than a demat scam
Iran refuses to blink
Alternative approaches to West Asian crises
Narmada: the cost of delaying rehabilitation
China's new push on the African continent
Unfair omission: an author's protest
A friend of India
Reservation issue
Amazing
The Narmada issue
Protectionism

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu