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Centre to amend Post Office Act

— PHOTO: PTI/ VIJAY KUMAR JOSHI

Communications and Information Technology Minister A. Raja with Minister of State Jyotiraditya Scindia at the launch of new logo of India Post in New Delhi on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: Unveiling the new corporate logo of India Post here on Tuesday, Communications and Information Technology Minister A. Raja said the Centre was planning to amend the Post Office Act to regulate courier companies.

He also announced that Department of Posts would soon launch major initiatives and introduce new services for the benefit of its customers. “We have circulated the Bill inputs among the different Ministries. We plan to introduce the Bill in the coming session of Parliament,” said Mr. Raja. The Bill aims at regulating the operations of private courier companies, a move that would give a big boost to the business of India Post that has taken a hit over the years due to mushrooming of courier firms.

Mr. Raja said India Post would soon acquire more aircraftto carry letters, parcels and logistic consignments for making overnight delivery in major cities and towns. He also announced a host of new customer services that India Post planned to introduce soon that would make services more efficient.

“Major technology initiatives have been planned that include faster automatic mail processing systems; hand-held devices for postmen to capture and transmit signatures of addressees digitally; establish mechanised hubs to process parcels efficiently; and build logistics and warehousing centres for providing supply chain solutions to the businesses,” he informed.

Stating that the government has repositioned India Post with focus on customers, technology and business, Mr. Raja said India Post would continue to maximise its network, especially in the rural areas, by making post offices a one-stop shop for communication, distribution and retail solutions.

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