Forex services extend to 24 more post offices from tomorrow

14 oct 2009

Twenty four more post offices will start facilitating foreign exchange services from tomorrow in addition to the existing network of 112 post offices across the country and the services will be extended soon to 1000 Post Offices. This was announced in a press meet organised by the Directorate of Business Development and Marketing, Department of Posts here today.

The press meet was organised on the occasion of first anniversary of sale of gold coins by posts offices coinciding with the Business Development Day. Briefing the media Ms. Suneeta Trivedi, Chief General Manager (Business Development and Marketing Directorate, DoP) said that Department of Post is under Universal Service Obligation to serve the masses but the organisation has to be economically viable at the same time. The Department is taking new initiatives in a manner that serve the people in more comprehensive manner and help the Department to sustain itself.

Speaking on the Occasion Mr. John Samuel, General Manager said that the scheme of selling gold coins that started through 100 Post Offices one year back has reached 500 post offices today throughout the country. These gold coins, in four denominations of 0.5 grams, 1 gram, five grams and eight grams, are available with special offer during the festive season till October 24th, 2009. Half gram of gold coin is being given free of cost on purchase of ten gram gold coins. While those in government services, including retired government servants, are getting a discount of six per cent on the purchase. Post Offices are providing the 24-carat gold coins on comparatively low prices and these are certified from Valcambi, Switzerland. Coins worth four kilograms of Gold are being sold by Post Offices on an average everyday in the country.

Speaking about speed post, Mr. Alok Sharma General Manager said that people can track their articles and also electronic money orders (eMO) through an SMS. The customer has to SMS the speed post or money order number by typing SP & eMO to 55352 respectively. This will result in locating the status of the article and money order sent. Speed Post also offers money-back guarantee, under which Speed Post fee will be refunded if the consignment is not delivered within the published delivery norms. DoP is likely to launch soon a new service called Corporate ePost Service for corporate organisation requiring bulk communication. Brand ‘India Post’ is a trusted name among its customers and hence, the new initiatives as well as established schemes draw more and more people to it.

Sikkim also likely to get a Forex Centre in the near future.