An earlier review on the Indian Posts & Telegraph Department prompted me to add my observation on this hallowed institution of India.
Portrayed in many Hindi Films as the ubiquitous ’Daakiya babu’ the ’post-man Uncle’ has become an integral part of rural India. Mostly seen traversing the lush green fields of the countryside on a cycle the Postman delivers a million smiles a day.
The Indian Post has the unique distinction of having one of the most intricate and efficient distribution system for mail delivery anywhere in the world and is second to none.
It caters to myriad services besides only the Post like it also incorporates banking services in the form of a savings account and fixed deposit and insurance services and also money transfer. With so many value added features the Indian Post has become a staple diet and is taken for granted as a part and parcel of our daily routine life.
A normal letter gets delivered the very next day within the same city for just Rs.5/- as postage and takes about 3 days for delivery in Metro cities any where in the country. For smaller towns the delivery is about 4 days and for interior villages it is maximum a week.
Once in a while the odd letter does return to the sender(which too speaks volumes for the Departments efficiency) for lack of proper destination address or incomplete details or illegible handwriting but kudos to the Postal department for successfully handling and delivering 95 % of the mail on time. The Courier services have taken away a chunk of the business but the Postal Department still survives with innovation and new found enthusiasm.
Just a decade back, we were used to writing letters to Pen-friends and making acquaintances with like minded folks through letters sent through Post. Now, e-mail and Instant messaging has taken the charm away..but I still love gently slitting open an envelope and going through the contents of a labour of love.
I must also point out that if a letter is posted without sufficient stamps, it is actually hand delivered to the recipient and the shortfall is recovered in cash, only twice over..but it ensures a sure shot delivery in time.
Post parcels too are delivered swiftly but God help the person who has not packed his Parcel with sufficient cushioning, because the parcels are just thrown around and get crushed under more heavier stuff if not packed properly in wooden casing.
Their Speed Post services too are efficient and timely but one has to remember to submit your Speed Post well within the stipulated time for it to reach the next day. Details are available at every Post Office.
The Postal Life Insurance services are one of the most economical but very basic services are offered.
The Post Office savings account offers the highest interest, liquidity at present and are eligible for tax rebates on interest earned. Its only that their banking service are not as polished as a Bank and lack of adequate information leads to it being largely underutilised.
Another very unique feature is their money transfer through Money-Orders. This is a boon for the many migrant labourers who leave their far flung villages for a better employment in the cities. They use these Money-Orders to send money to their parents and families in remote corners of India and the money is delivered in Cash in your hands at your doorstep courtesy the Post-man uncle.
We also have a rich and varied heritage that has been time and again portrayed thought the innumerous varieties of Stamps and ’First-Day Covers’ which are a collectors delight and a Philatelist’s prized possession. Commemorative stamps issued in limited numbers are much sought after the world over.
To sum it all, I would say that we should be proud of our excellent Postal system and not get dis-illusioned by that odd letter which didn’t reach.
Regards
Raja (c)
All rights reserved