1) Objectives of post office

I. Mail Delivery and Collection : Ensuring timely and accurate delivery and
collection of letters, parcels, and packages. This involves maintaining a
network of postal routes and facilities.

II. Financial Services : Providing a range of financial products such as savings

accounts, fixed deposits, and retirement plans through postal savings banks.
They also offer money transfer services, insurance products, and pension
disbursements.

III. Communication Services : Offering various forms of communication such as

traditional postal services, speed post, registered mail, and e-commerce parcel
delivery.

IV. Government Services : Acting as an agent for government services, including

the distribution of pensions, subsidies, and other welfare benefits. They also
often serve as locations for voter registration and other civic duties.

V. Retail Services : Selling products like stamps, stationery, and other goods, and
sometimes providing additional services like bill payment, travel insurance,
and mobile phone top-ups.

VI. Community and Social Support : Engaging in activities that support community
development and social causes, such as conducting educational and
awareness programs or supporting local events.

These objectives reflect the post office’s role as a multifunctional institution that
serves a wide array of needs in the community.
Functions of post office
The functions of a post office include:

1. Mail Handling : Receiving, processing, and delivering letters, parcels, and

packages. This includes sorting mail at various stages and ensuring timely delivery
to recipients.

2. Financial Transactions : Managing postal savings accounts, issuing money orders,

handling remittances, and offering insurance products. Some post offices also
provide loan and pension services.

3. Retail Services : Selling postage stamps, packaging materials, and stationery. They
may also offer additional services such as bill payment, mobile phone top-ups, and
travel insurance.

4. Customer Service : Assisting customers with inquiries, complaints, and tracking of

mail and packages. Providing information about services and helping with postal
forms and procedures.

5. Government Agency Functions : Acting as a distribution point for government

services like pensions, subsidies, and welfare programs. They may also facilitate
voter registration and other civic duties.

6. E-commerce Support : Handling the logistics of e-commerce by receiving, storing,

and delivering goods purchased online.

7. Community Services : Engaging in activities that support community welfare, such

as organizing educational programs or participating in local events.
These functions make post offices integral to both daily communication and broader
financial and community support systems.

Post office services

Post office services offer a variety of functions beyond just sending and receiving mail.
Here are some common services provided by post offices:

o Mail Services : Handling letters, parcels, and packages for domestic and
international delivery. This includes standard mail, express mail, and
registered mail.

o Financial Services : Many post offices offer banking services such as

savings accounts, fixed deposits, recurring deposits, and money transfers.
 o Retail Services : Selling postage stamps, packaging materials, greeting
cards, and other postal-related products.

o Philately : Collectible stamp services, including the sale of unique or

commemorative stamps.

o Logistics and Courier Services : Providing express parcel services and

logistics support for businesses.

o Government Services : Acting as a point for government services like

passport applications, bill payments, and tax forms.

o Insurance and Investment Products : Offering life insurance policies and

other investment products.

o E-commerce Services : Facilitating the delivery and return of products

purchased online.

These services can vary by country and region, but post offices generally aim to provide
convenient access to essential communication, financial, and government services.

Mail Products

The primary function of post office is collection, processing , transmission and delivery of mails. All
postal articles whose contents are in the nature of message can be classified as Mails which
includes Letters, Postcard, Inland letter card, packets, Ordinary, registered, insured, Value payable
articles, speed post. These are classified as first class and second class mails. First class mails get
free Air mail transmission within India; whereas second class mails get air lift only if prepaid with air
surcharge. These four stages of mail operation have a single aim - Delivery of mail to its
addressee
Letter

A Letter means any communication, which is enclosed in an envelope and addressed.

Letter

Maximum Weight
2 Kilograms

Size Prescribed Minimum Maximum

If the letter is in roll form

Any Single diameter

10 cm 80 cm

Length + twice the diameter

17 cm 100 cm

If the letter is not in roll form

Any Single dimension

140mm*90mm with tolerance of +- 2 mm 60 cm

Length + Breadth + Depth

90 cm

Letter in other than roll form shall be in envelopes of the following sizes, unless its
dimension are more than 353 x 250 mm, namely :-
1. 140 x 90mm

2. 152 x 90mm

3. 220 x 110mm

4. 162 x 114mm

5. 176 x 125mm

6. 229 x 162mm

7. 324 x 229mm
8. 353 x 250mm

With tolerance of +-2 mm

a) These dimensions are not binding on letter sent to or received from any other
country.

b) All envelopes must have flap at the top on the back of the longer side and not at the
right or the left.

c) Envelops should be made of paper of the following thickness:-

Minimum 0.08mm
Maximum 0.18mm

d) Surface of the envelope should be level with uniform surface structure.

The Director General may prescribe that every letter having contents of a specified n
ature and posted at or addressed to such places as the Director General may notify,
shall be accompanied by a declaration in such form as may be prescribed by the
Director General.

Book Packet

Book Packet

Maximum Weight 5 Kilograms

S.No Size Prescribed Minimum Maximum

1 In roll form length 10 cm 80 cm

2 Total Length + 2 diameters 17 cm 100 cm

3 Other than roll form 10 x 7 cm 60 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm

Note: Book Packet when sent in card form whether folded or not, shall be neither thinner nor more flexible than
Inland Post Cards.

Prohibitions:
 o There shall be no personal communication enclosed or written up on a book packet.
o It shall not contain any paper money, postage or other stamps, Cheque etc Exception: It may
contain stamped self addressed post card or letter or wrapper.

Book Packet containing Printed Books

Specifications are same as for book packet.

It shall not contain any publication published in regular intervals. No advertisements permitted.

Book Packet containing Periodicals

Specifications are same as for book packet.
The contents shall be periodicals registered with the 'Registrar of Newspapers in India'. The first or last
page of the periodical shall have the superscription "Registered with the Registrar of Newspapers in India
under serial No. - ........." printed on it.

Pattern and Sample Packet

It may contain bona fide trade patterns or samples of merchandise not having any saleable value together
with or without any matter which may be sent as a book packet.

Specifications same as in the case of book packets.

Maximum weight: 2 kilograms

Registered Newspaper
A Registered News paper is a publication consisting wholly or in great part of political or other news, with
or without advertisement. It is published in large numbers at intervals of not more than 31 days.

It should have a bona fide list of subscribers.

If such news paper is registered in the office of the Superintendent or Senior Superintendent of Post
offices of the area where News paper is to be published, it will be treated as 'Registered News paper' for
Concessional rates of postage. There is no fee for registration.

The registration number allotted to the paper should be printed on the top of the front page of the News
paper preceded by the word 'Registered'.

Inland Letter Card

Communication is contained on a sheet of paper with prescribed size & folding. Inland letter card is used
for transmission within India only.
 Inland Letter

Maximum Weight
5 grams

The dimensions of the letter card including its flaps when unfolded or folded shall respectively be as follows:

Unfolded

Maximum
30 cm x 21 cm

Minimum
28.2 cm x 18.2 cm

Flap
Letter Card will have three flaps, one each one on the left and right side not exceeding 1.5 cm
by 10 cm and another on the top side not exceeding 1.5 cm by 21 cm. Flaps are not required if
the Inland Letter Card can be closed by any other effective process.

Folded

Maximum
21 cm x 10 cm

Minimum
15.2 cm x 9 cm

Inland letter card

70 GSM
shall be paper of
minimum

Letter Cards of private manufacture suitably folded and closed on all sides through gumming or any other effective
process, may be conveyed by post, provided the dimensions and other conditions mentioned in this rule are complied
with.

Blind Literature Packet

India Post allows free transmission of blind literature packets upto 7 kilograms. Papers of any kind,
periodicals and books impressed in "Braille" or other special type for the use of blind are allowed to be
transmitted by post as Blind literature packets.
Size and packing is same as for book packets.

Conditions:
It must be sent by or to a blind person. No written or printed communication should be enclosed except:
o the title and table of contents
o the key or instructions
o A label for return of the packet

Registration
Objective
To provide secure transmission of customers articles. A record is kept at all stages the article passes
through. Also the registered articles are transmitted , under special precautions.

Articles which can be Registered

Articles which can be Registered Registration is compulsory for the following

1. Letters 1. Any parcel exceeding 4 kilograms in weight

2. Letter Cards 2. Any Insured article
3. Postcards 3. Any parcel addressed to a place for which a
4. Book and pattern packets customs declaration is required.
5. Blind literature packets 4. Any article containing the following stamps
6. Parcels and newspapers prepaid with postage at labels, Cheque, Hundi, bank note, bank post
newspaper rates of postage may be registered bill, bill-of-exchange
at any Post Office 5. Any article bearing the word “registered” on
the cover
6. Any registered article which is re-posted after
having been delivered
7. Any value-payable article
How to Register
1. An article intended for registration must be presented at the window of the post office. A receipt
will be given to the person who presents an article for registration at the post office window during
the hours prescribed for posting registered article
2. No such article shall also be accepted for registration:
a. Where it contains words to the effect that it has been, or is intended to be insured for
any specific sum, or that is may contain valuable contents unless it is also to be
insured, OR
b. Where such words are scored out.
Compensation to be paid in respect of International Registered articles
The compensation to be paid in respect of International Registered article booked in Post Offices in India
in case of loss / total theft / total damage are as under:
o For loss / total theft / total damage - 30 SDR*
* at prevailing rates
Insurance
Articles may be insured at all post offices. Insurance covers all risks in course of transmission by post. The
prepayment of all charges on insured articles namely postage, registration and insurance fee is compulsory.
Postage stamps affixed to an insured article must be placed apart from one another so that they may not
serve to conceal injuries to the cover of the letter or parcel.

Article Insurance

What article can be Limit up to which You can Insure

insured?

o Registered letters o up to the value of ₹ 600 for articles booked at branch post offices
o Value Payable o up to the value of ₹ 1,00,000 for articles booked at other post offices
Registered Letters o Insured value shall not exceed the real value of the contents of the article
o Registered Parcels insured
o Value-Payable o The articles containing gold, coin or bullion government currency notes or
Registered Parcels bank notes or any combination of these shall be insured for the actual value
of the contents

In addition to the postage, the sender of the postal article intended to be transmitted shall be required to
pay the following additional Insurance fee.
A). For all Retail Customers:
Insured Value Insurance Fees

Up to Rs 200 Rs 10

Above Rs 200 Rs 10 + Rs 6 for every additional Rs 100 or fraction thereof

B). For all Contractual Customers of Speed Post and Business Parcel:
Insured Value Insurance Fees

Up to Rs 200 Rs 4

Above Rs 200 Rs 4 + 1.50 % of insured value exceeding Rs 200

Cases in which Insurance is compulsory
Insurance is also compulsory for at least the amount specified for recovery from the addressee in the case
of all value payable articles on which the amount specified for recovery exceeds ₹ 100. (Other than value
payable letters containing Railway receipt, bills invoices, documents etc. of no intrinsic value and value
payable packets containing printed papers, books etc. sent under book packet rates.)
Coin, bullion, platinum, precious stones, Jewellery, government currency notes or bank notes and articles
of gold or silver may be sent by post only in insured letters, insured parcels.

Packing Size and other conditions

o Every letter tendered for insurance must be enclosed in a strong cover which must be securely
fastened and sealed by means of identical seals in fine wax reproducing a private mark and
affixed in sufficient number so that it cannot be opened without either breaking the seal or leaving
obvious traces of violation.
o No label of any kind should be affixed by the sender to such a cover but cut out labels the
maximum size of which is 1-1/2-2x3” (3.8 cb. x 7.6cb.) with frank impressions as postage stamps
on the cover of an insured articles may be accepted.
o An envelope with black or color border or a transparent panel must not be used.
o The seals must be placed over each flap or seam of the cover and if the cover is tied round with
string or tape a seal must be placed on the ends where they are tied.
o As an additional precaution (if the contents admit of it) a thread should be passed through the
cover and its contents and tied the knot being placed under the Central seal.
o If a parcel contains gold or silver bullion or coins it must be packed in a strong case of wood or
metal with an outer covering of cloth or stout paper.
o All the seals affixed to an insured article must be of the same kind of wax and must bear distinct
impressions of the same private device. The device must not be that of a current coin or merely a
series of straight curved, or crossed lines.
Note: It is recommended that registration envelopes (sold at all post offices) be used for insured
letters.
o It should not be so small or so covered with writing or sealing wax on the address side, or
otherwise made up in such a manner, as to render it impracticable to affix to the article the
prescribed official labels of the Post Office.

Insurance Procedure
o An article intended for insurance must be presented at the window of the Post Office.
o Write clearly in words and figures, the insurance value without erasure or correction, on the top of
the address side of the cover.
o The name and address of the sender must also be written on the cover in the lower left-hand
corner, or on a separate slip of paper, to be presented with the article should there be no room for
his name and address on the cover.
o A receipt will be given to the person who presents an article for insurance at the post office
window during the hours prescribed for posting insured articles.
 o Any error or mistakes should be pointed out at once by the sender otherwise the Post Office will
not be liable for any damages or compensation.
o The sender of the insured article is entitled to obtain free of charge an acknowledgement of its
delivery signed by the addressee or his authorized agent. The sender may himself fill up the form
of acknowledgement to be signed by the addressee and is recommended to do so.

Responsibility of the Post Office

o Compensation will be payable one month after the date on which intimation of loss is given by the
sender to the Post Office, except in cases in which the Head of the Circle may consider that the
circumstances demand the withholding of payment pending enquiry.
o In the event of the loss of the postal article, or any of its contents, or for any damage caused to it
in course of transmission by post the compensation will be paid to the sender and the
compensation in no case exceeds the value of the article or any of its contents lost or the amount
of the damage caused.
o In the case of loss, the sender furnishes full particulars of the contents of the postal article and
their values.
o No compensation will be payable:
o Where there has been mis-delivery arising out of incorrectness or incompleteness of
the address written by the sender.
o Where there has been fraud on the part of the sender or addressee.
o Where the insured article has been delivered to the addressee, and he has signed and
returned the receipt therefor.
o Where the sender has not given intimation of the loss within three months from the date
of posting, Where the loss or damage was due to improper or insecure packing.
o Where there is no visible damage to the cover or seals it being understood that the
sender must so pack the letter or parcel that its contents cannot be touched without
visible damage as aforesaid being caused.
o Where the insured article contains Government currency notes, bank notes, gold coin
or bullion or any combination of these, and has not been insured for the actual value of
the contents.
o In the case of the loss of halves of currency notes.
o In the case of damage arising from the nature of the article insured, OR
o Where the insured article contained anything the transmission of which by post is
prohibited.
o If after compensation has been paid for the loss of a postal article or any portion of its contents,
the contents or any portion thereof are subsequently recovered, the recovered contents will be
dealt with as follows namely
o If the value of the recovered contents added to the amount of compensation paid is not in excess
of the amount of loss, the recovered contents will be restored to the sender.
o If the value of the recovered contents added to the amount of compensation paid is in excess of
the amount of the loss, the Post Office will be entitled either to restore the recovered contents to
 the sender on his repaying the amount of such excess or to retain and dispose of so much of the
recovered contents as may be held by the Head of the Circle to represent such excess and
restore the rest of the recovered contents, if any, to the sender.

Value Payable Post

The value payable system is designed to meet the requirements of persons who wish to pay for articles
sent to them at the time of receipt of the articles or of the bills or railway receipts relating to them, and also
to meet the requirements of traders and others who wish to recover, through the agency of the Post
Office the value of article supplied by them.

Value Payable Articles

Registered Parcels, registered letters, registered book packets and newspapers prepaid with postage of
newspaper rates of postage and with registration fee may be transmitted by the inland post as value
payable postal articles, provided that the amount specified for remittance to the sender in the case of any
such postal article does not exceed Rs.5,000/- and provided that such parcels, letters and packets do not
contain coupons, tickets, certificates of introduction designed for the sale of goods on what is known as the
“Snowball System”.

Declaration
No such postal article as aforesaid will be accepted at any post office for transmission by post as a value
payable postal article unless the sender declares that it is sent in execution of a bona fide order received
by him. At any post office notified from time to time in this behalf by the Director General, the sender
will in addition be required to declare that the article is one the transmission of which by post as a value
payable postal article is permitted. No postal article as aforesaid will be accepted at these offices without
such further declaration.

Explanation: An article may be sent by the value payable post even though it possesses no intrinsic
value. Thus legal documents, bonds, policies of insurance, promissory note railway goods and parcel
receipts, bills of leading or ordinary bills for collection may be sent as value payable postal articles. In the
case of a railway receipt of bill of leading sent as a value payable postal article, it will be sufficient for the
purposes of this rule if the article to which railway receipt of bill of leading relates has been sent in execution
of a bona fide order. In the case of the other documents specified the documents must be sent in execution
of a bona fide order to send the document itself.
Post Office from and to which Value Payable Articles may be sent:

Value payable postal articles can be posted at any post office that is a money order office (with a few
exceptions) for transmission to any other post office that is a money order office.

Manner of Posting
(1) Every postal article intended to be transmitted by post as a value payable postal article must
be presented at the post office with the prescribed printed form in which the sender must specify the sum
to be remitted to himself full in the required entries (in ink) and sign the declaration required by clause
188. The sender must also write clearly on the face of the article itself:

(a) in the upper left hand corner the letters “VP” followed by an entry in figures and words of the amount for
remittance to himself and

(b) in the lower left hand corner – his own name and full address

Note: The sender’s name and address may be indicated by clear impression of a stamp on the value
payable articles.
(2) Value payable articles will not be accepted unless the town of payment shown in the value payable
money order form is the one where the article has been booked.

(3) A receipt will be given to the person who presents the article.

Booking of Value Payable Articles in Bulk

A procedure similar to that indicated in clause 167 for registered articles is available for the
convenience of firms and other institutions posting at least ten uninsured value payable articles daily. No
extra charge will be levied for this facility. Enquiries in this regard should be addressed to the local
Superintendent of Post Offices.

Conditions
(1) No article will be accepted at any post office for transmission by post as value payable postal article if it
is so small or so covered with writing or sealing wax on the address side or otherwise made up in such
a manner as to render it impracticable to affix to the article the prescribed official labels of the Post
Office.

Explanation: This rule does not apply to an article which has an address labeled to it, provided that the
label is not so small or covered with writing on the address side as to render it impracticable to affix to that
side the prescribed official labels of the Post Office.
(2) No article on which the amount specified for recovery from the addressee exceeds ₹ 1500/- will be
accepted at any post office for transmission by post as value payable postal article unless it is insured for
at least the sum specified for remittance by the sender.

Explanation: This rule does not apply to value payable letters containing Railway receipts, bills,
invoices, documents, etc. of no intrinsic value and to value payable packet containing printed papers,
books, etc., sent under book packet rates.
Payment to Sender When the amount due is recovered from the addressee, the sum for payment, to the
sender will be remitted to him by means of money order.
Detention in Office of Delivery and levy of demurrage
(1) If the addressee of a value payable postal article omits to take delivery of it within 7 days following
the date of its first presentation or the date of delivery to him or to his accredited agent of an
intimation of its arrival, the article will be returned to the sender on the 8th day: Provided that if in the
meantime the addressee has applied in writing to the post office for detention of the article for a further
period not exceeding seven days beginning with the said 8th day and pays the prescribed fee the article
shall not be returned to the sender until the expiration of the further period covered by the application. Any
fee so paid shall in no circumstances be refunded.
(2) When a value payable Postal article is returned to the sender under sub clause (1) the sender will be
required to pay any charges that may be due on it and to acknowledge receipt of the article by signing the
form presented by the postman. In no circumstances will any fee or fees prepaid by the sender be
refunded.

Insurance of VP articles: The value declared for insurance need not correspond with the amount specified
by the sender for remittance to himself. Thus, in the case of a watch returned after repairs by value-
payable post to its owner, the amount to be remitted to the sender of the watch would be only the cost of
repairs while the sum insured would represent the value of the watch itself.
Complaints regarding Value Payable Articles
(1) Wherever the sender article addressee of a value payable postal article makes a complaint regarding
the delivery of or payment for, the value payable postal article, he will be entitled to have an enquiry made
by the post office on paying the prescribed fee. The fee will be paid by means of a postage stamps or
stamps affixed to the letter of complaint. This fee will be refunded in cases where the complaint was found
to be well grounded.

(2) The complaint will be required to furnish full particulars regarding each value payable article to which
the complaint refers and to pay the prescribed fee in respect of each article. No complaint will be attended
to unless made within six months of the date of posting of the value payable article. The result of the
enquiry will be communicated by letter.

(3) When a complaint is made regarding payment for a V.P. article the V.P. money order will not be
produced unless and allegation of fraud or receipt practiced on the sender is put forward, and the V.P.
money order will only be available for inspection at the post office at which the Department finds it
convenient to permit examination.

(4) If a complaint is made by the addressee immediately after the receipt of a value payable postal article,
that it was sent dishonestly or fraudulently the Head of the Circle may if he is satisfied that there are
prima facie grounds for believing that the value payable postal article was sent with the intention of
defrauding the addressee, withhold the payment to the sender of the money recovered from the
addressee. If after making such enquiries as may be necessary, he is fully satisfied that the value
payable postal article was sent with this intention he may order the return of the article to the sender and
refund to the addressee the sum of money recovered from him on delivery of the value-payable postal
article.

Explanation: Impression of a stamping machine made b a competent authority shall be tantamount to

affixing stamps of corresponding value.
Responsibility of the Post Office
The Central Government shall not incur any liability in respect of the sum specified for remittance to the
sender in respect of a value payable postal article unless and until that sum has been received from for
remittance to the sender in respect of a value payable within six months from the date of posting of the
article.
POST OFFICE SCHEMES
Post office savings schemes in India offer a range of investment options with varying
interest rates and benefits. Here are some popular post office savings schemes:

Post Office Savings Account(SB)

Post Office Savings Account(SB)

Interest payable, Rates, Periodicity etc. Minimum Amount for opening of account
and maximum balance that can be
retained
4.0% per annum on individual / joint Minimum INR 500/- for opening
accounts
Salient features

(a)Who can open :-

(i)a single adult

(ii)two adults only (Joint A or Joint B)

(iii)a guardian on behalf of minor

(iv)a guardian on behalf of person of unsound mind

(iv)a minor above 10 years in his own name

Only one account can be opened by an individual as a single account

Only one account can be opened in the name of minor/above 10 years of age
(self)/person of unsound mind

In case of death of a Joint holder, the surviving holder will be the sole holder, if
surviving holder already has single account in his/her name, Joint account have to be
closed

Conversion of single to joint account or vice versa is not allowed

Nomination is mandatory at the time of opening of account

Minor after attaining majority has to submit fresh account opening form and KYC
documents of his/her name at concerned Post Office for conversion of the in his/her
name

(b)Deposit and Withdrawal: - All deposits/ withdrawals shall be in whole rupees only.

(i) Minimum deposit amount: - Rs. 500 (subsequent deposit not less than 10 rupees)

(ii) Minimum withdrawal amount: - Rs. 50

(ii)Maximum deposit: - No maximum limit

(iii)No withdrawal will be permitted which effect reducing of minimum balance Rs. 500

(iv) In case account balance not raised to Rs. 500 at the end of financial year Rs. 50 will
be deducted as Account Maintenance Fee and if account balance became Nil the
account shall stands automatically closed

©Interest:-

(i)Interest will be calculated on the basis of minimum balance between 10 th of the

month and end of the month and allowed in whole rupees only

(ii)No interest will be allowed in a month if balance between 10 th and last day of the
month falls below Rs. 500

(iii)Interest shall be credited in account at the end of each Financial Year at the
interest rate prescribed by Ministry of Finance

(iv)At the time of closure of account, interest will be paid up to the preceding month in
which account is closed

(iv)u/s 80TTA of the Income Tax Act, from all Savings Bank Accounts, interest up to Rs.
10,000 earned in a Financial Year is exempted from taxable Income.

National Savings Recurring Deposit Account(RD)

5-Year Post Office Recurring Deposit Account (RD)

Interest payable, Rates, Periodicity etc. Minimum Amount for opening of

account and maximum balance
that can be retained

From 01.01.2024, interest rates are as follows:- Minimum INR 100/- per month or any
amount in multiples of INR 10/-. No
o 6.7 % per annum (quarterly compounded)
maximum limit.

Salient features

(a)Who can open :-

(i) a single adult

(ii) Joint Account (up to 3 adults) (Joint A or Joint B)

(iii) a guardian on behalf of minor

(iv) a guardian on behalf of person of unsound mind

(iv) a minor above 10 years in his own name.

Note:- Any number of accounts can be opened.

(b)Deposits :-

(i) Account can be opened by cash/cheque and in case of cheque the date of deposit
shall be date of clearance of cheque.

(ii) Minimum Amount for monthly deposit is Rs. 100 and above minimum in multiple of
Rs. 10.

(iii) Subsequent deposit shall be made up to 15 th day of month, if account is opened up

to 15th of a calendar month.

(iv) Subsequent deposit shall be made up to last working day of month, if account is
opened between 16th day and last working day of a calendar month.

©Default :-

(i) If subsequent deposit is not made up to the prescribed day for a month, a
default is charged for each defaulted month, default @ 1 rupee shall be
charged for 100 rupee denomination account (proportionate amount for
other denomination) shall be charged.
(ii) If in any RD account, there is monthly default, the depositor has to first pay
the defaulted monthly deposit with default fee and then pay the current
month deposit.
(iii) After 4 regular defaults, the account becomes discontinued and can be
revived within two months from 4 th default but if the account is not revived
within this period, no further deposit can be made in such account and
account became discontinued.

(iii) If there are not more than four defaults in monthly deposits, the account holder
may, at his option, extend the maturity period of the account by as many months as
the number of defaults and deposit the defaulted installments during the extended
period.

(d)Advance deposit :-
(i) If an RD account is not discontinued can made advance deposit up to 5 years in an
account.

(ii) Rebate on advance deposit of at least 6 installments (inclusive of month of

deposit), for Rs. 100 denomination rebate Rs. 10 for 6 month , Rs. 40 for 12 month

(iii) The advance deposit may be made at the time of opening of the account or any
time thereafter.

€Loan :-

(i) After 12 installments deposited and account is continued for 1 year not
discontinued depositor may avail loan facility up to 50% of the balance
credit in the account.
(ii) Loan can be repaid in one lump-sum or in equal monthly installments.
(iii) Interest on loan will be applicable as 2% + RD interest rate applicable to the
RD account.

(iv) Interest will be calculated from date of withdrawal to date of repayment.

(iv) In case loan is not repaid till the maturity, loan plus interest will be deducted
from the maturity value of the RD account.

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme Account(SCSS)

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

Interest payable, Rates, Periodicity etc. Minimum Amount for opening of

account and maximum balance
that can be retained

From 01.01.2024 , interest rates are as follows:- There shall be only one deposit in
o 8.2% per annum, payable from the date of deposit to the account in multiple of
31st March/30th Sept/31st December in the first INR.1000/- maximum not
instance & thereafter, interest shall be payable on 1st
exceeding INR 30 lakh.
April, 1st July, 1st October and 1st January.

Salient features

o (a)Who can open:-

(i) An individual above 60 years of age.
(ii) Retired Civilian Employees above 55 years of age and below 60 years of age, subject to
condition that investment to be made within 1 month of receipt of retirement benefits.
 (iii) Retired Defense Employees above 50 years of age and below 60 years of age, subject to
condition that investment to be made within 1 month of receipt of retirement benefits.
(iv) Account can be opened as individual capacity or jointly with spouse only.
(v) The whole amount of deposit in a joint account shall be attributable to the first account
holder only.
o (b)Deposit:-
(i) Minimum deposit shall be Rs. 1000 and in multiple of 1000, subject to maximum limit up to
Rs. 30 lakh in all SCSS accounts opened by an individual.
(ii) In case any excess deposit made in SCSS account, excess amount will be refunded
immediately to the depositor and only PO Savings Account Interest rate will be applicable
from the date of excess deposit to the date of refund.
(iii) Investment under this scheme qualifies for the benefit of section 80C of Income Tax Act,
1961.
o (c)Interest:-
(i) Interest shall be payable on quarterly basis and applicable from the date of deposit to 31st
March/30th June/30th September/31st December.
(ii) If the interest payable every quarter is not claimed by an account holder, such interest
shall not earn additional interest.
(iii) Interest can be drawn through auto credit into savings account standing at same post
office, or ECS. In case of SCSS account at CBS Post offices, monthly interest can be credited
into savings account standing at any CBS Post Offices.
(iv) Interest is taxable if total interest in all SCSS accounts exceeds Rs.50,000/- in a financial
year and TDS at the prescribed rate shall be deducted from the total interest paid. No TDS will
be deducted if form 15 G/15H is submitted and accrued interest is not above prescribed limit.

Public Provident Fund Account(PPF )

15 year Public Provident Fund Account (PPF )

Interest payable, Rates, Periodicity etc. Minimum Amount for opening of account and
maximum balance that can be retained

From 01.01.2024, interest rates are as follows:- Minimum INR. 500/- Maximum INR. 1,50,000/- in a

o financial year.
7.1 % per annum (compounded
yearly). Deposits can be made in lump-sum or in installments.

Salient features

o (a)Who can open:-

(i) a single adult by a resident Indian.
(ii) a guardian on behalf of minor/ person of unsound mind .
 o Note:- Only one account can be opened all across the country either in Post Office or any
Bank.
o (b) Deposit:-
(i) Minimum deposit Rs. 500 in a Financial Year and Maximum deposit is Rs. 1.50 lakh in a FY
(ii) Maximum limit of Rs. 1.50 lakh shall be inclusive of the deposits made in his/her own
account and in the account opened on behalf of minor.
(iii) Amount can be deposited in any number of installments in a FY in multiple of Rs. 50 and
maximum up to Rs. 1.50 lakh.
(iv) Account can be opened by cash/cheque and in case of cheque the date of realization of
cheque in Govt. account shall be date of opening of account/subsequent deposit in account.
(v) Deposits qualify for deduction under section 80C of Income Tax Act.
o (c) Discontinuation of account:-
(i) If in any financial year, minimum deposit of Rs.500/- is not made, the said PPF account
shall become discontinued.
(ii) Loan/withdrawal facility is not available on discontinued accounts.
(iii) Discontinued account can be revived by the depositor before maturity of the account by
deposit minimum subscription (i.e. Rs. 500) + Rs. 50 s default fee for each defaulted year.
(iv) The total deposit in a year, shall be inclusive of deposits made in respect of years of
default of previous financial years.
o (d) Interest:-
(i) Interest shall be applicable as notified by Ministry of Finance on quarterly basis.
(ii) The interest shall be calculated for the calendar month on the lowest balance in the
account between the close of the fifth day and the end of the month.
(iii) Interest shall be credited to the account at the end of each Financial year.
(iv) Interest shall be credited to the account at the end of each FY where account stands at the
end of FY. (i.e. in case of transfer of account from Bank to PO or vice versa)
(v) Interest earned is tax free under Income Tax Act.
o (e) Loan:-
(i) Loan can be taken after the expiry of one year from the end of the FY in which the initial
subscription was made.(i.e. A/c open during 2010-11, loan can be taken in 2012-13).
(ii) Loan can be taken before expiry of five years from the end of the year in which the initial
subscription was made.
(iii) Loan can be taken up to 25% of balance to his credit at the end of the second year
immediately preceding the year in which loan is applied. (i.e. if loan taken during 2012-13,
25% of balance credit on 31.03.2011)
(iv) Only one loan can be taken in a Financial Year.
(v) Second loan shall not be provided till first loan was not repaid.
(vi) If loan repaid within 36 month of the loan taken, loan interest rate @ 1% per annum shall
be applicable.
(vii) If loan repaid after 36 month of the loan taken loan interest rate @ 6% per annum shall be
applicable from the date of loan disbursement.

ncial year
Salient features

(a) Who can open account:-

-> By the guardian in the name of girl child below the age of 10 years.

-> Only one account can be opened in India either in Post Office or in any bank in the
name of a girl child.

-> This account can be opened for maximum of two girls in a family. Provided in case of
twins/triplets girls birth more than two accounts can be opened.

(b) Deposits:-

(i) Account can be opened with minimum initial deposit Rs. 250.
(ii) Minimum deposit in a FY is Rs. 250 and maximum deposit can be made up to
Rs. 1.50 lakh (in multiple of Rs.50) in a FY in lumpsum or in multiple
installments.
(iii) Deposit can be made maximum up to completion of 15 years from the date
of opening.

(iv) If minimum deposit Rs. 250 is not deposited in a account in a FY , the account shall
be treated at defaulted account.

(iv) Defaulted account can be revived before completion of 15 years from the
date of opening of account by paying minimum Rs. 250 + Rs. 50 default for
each defaulted year.
(v) Deposits qualify for deduction under s
Sukanya Samriddhi Account(SSA)

Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts

Interest payable, Rates, Periodicity Minimum Amount for opening of account and maximum
etc. balance that can be retained

Rate of interest 8.2% Per Annum(with Minimum INR. 250/-and Maximum INR. 1,50,000/- in a financial
effect from 01-01-2024 ),calculated on year. Subsequent deposit in multiple of INR 50/- Deposits can be
yearly basis ,Yearly compounded. made in lump-sum No limit on number of deposits either in a
month or in a Financial year

Salient features

o (a) Who can open account:-

o -> By the guardian in the name of girl child below the age of 10 years.
o -> Only one account can be opened in India either in Post Office or in any bank in the name of
a girl child.
o -> This account can be opened for maximum of two girls in a family. Provided in case of
twins/triplets girls birth more than two accounts can be opened.
o (b) Deposits:-
(i) Account can be opened with minimum initial deposit Rs. 250.
(ii) Minimum deposit in a FY is Rs. 250 and maximum deposit can be made up to Rs. 1.50 lakh
(in multiple of Rs.50) in a FY in lumpsum or in multiple installments.
(iii) Deposit can be made maximum up to completion of 15 years from the date of opening.
(iv) If minimum deposit Rs. 250 is not deposited in a account in a FY , the account shall be
treated at defaulted account.
(v) Defaulted account can be revived before completion of 15 years from the date of opening
of account by paying minimum Rs. 250 + Rs. 50 default for each defaulted year.
(vi) Deposits qualify for deduction under section 80C of Income Tax Act.
o (c) Interest:-
(i) The account will earn on the prescribed rate notified by Ministry of Finance on quarterly
basis.
(ii) The interest shall be calculated for the calendar month on the lowest balance in the
account between the close of the fifth day and the end of the month.
(iii) Interest shall be credited to the account at the end of each Financial year.
(iii) Interest shall be credited to the account at the end of each FY where account stands at the
end of FY. (i.e. in case of transfer of account from Bank to PO or vice versa)
(iv) Interest earned is tax free under Income Tax Act.
o (d) Operation of Account:-
o -> Account will be operated by the guardian till the girl child attains the age of majority (i.e. 18
years).
 o (e) Withdrawal:-
(i) Withdrawal may be taken from account after girl child attains age of 18 or passed 10th
standard.
(ii) withdrawal may be taken up to 50% of balance available at the end of preceding F.Y.
(iii) withdrawal may be made in one lump sum or in installments, not exceeding one per year,
for a maximum of five years, subject to the ceiling specified and subject to actual requirement
of fee/other charges.

NATIONAL SAVINGS CERTIFICATES (VIII TH ISSUE) (NSC)

NATIONAL SAVINGS CERTIFICATES (NSC)

Scheme Interest payable, Rates, Periodicity etc. Minimum Amount for opening of
account and maximum balance
that can be retained

National Savings From 01.01.2024, interest rates are as Minimum of Rs. 1000/- and in
Certificates (NSC) follows:- multiples of Rs. 100/- No Maximum
o 7.7 % compounded Limit
5 Years National annually but payable at
maturity.
Savings Certificate (VIII
Issue)

Salient features

o (a) Who can open :-

(i) a single adult
(ii) Joint Account (up to 3 adults)
(iii) a guardian on behalf of minor or on behalf of person of unsound mind
(iv) a minor above 10 years in his own name.
o (b) Deposit:-
(i) Minimum Rs. 1000 and in multiple of Rs. 100 , no maximum limit.
(ii) Any number of accounts can be opened under the scheme.
(iii) Deposits qualify for deduction under section 80C of Income Tax Act.
o (c) Maturity:-
o -> The deposit shall mature on completion of five years from the date of the deposit.
o (d) Pledging of account:-
(i) NSC may be pledged or transferred as security, by submitting prescribed application
 form at concerned Post Office supported with acceptance letter from the pledgee.
(ii) Transfer/pledging can be made to the following authorities.
o -> The President of India/Governor of the State.
o -> RBI/Scheduled Bank/Co-operative Society/Co-operative Bank.
o -> Corporation (public/private)/Govt. Company/Local Authority.
o -> Housing finance company.

KISAN Vikas Patra(KVP)

Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP )

Interest payable, Rates, Periodicity etc. Minimum Amount for opening of account and
maximum balance that can be retained

From 01.01.2024, interest rates are as follows:- Minimum of Rs. 1000/- and in multiples of Rs. 100/-
o 7.5 % compounded annually No Maximum Limit.
o Amount Invested doubles in 115
months (9 years & 7 months)

Salient features

o (a) Who can open

(i) a single adult
(ii) Joint Account (up to 3 adults)
(iii) a guardian on behalf of minor or on behalf of person of unsound mind
(iv) a minor above 10 years in his own name.
o (b) Deposit
(i) Minimum Rs. 1000 and in multiple of Rs. 100 , no maximum limit.
(ii) Any number of accounts can be opened under the scheme.
o (c) Maturity

-> The deposit shall mature on the maturity period prescribed by the Ministry of Finance
from time to time as applicable on the date of deposit.
o (d) Pledging of account
(i) KVP may be pledged or transferred as security, by submitting prescribed application
form at concerned Post Office supported with acceptance letter from the pledgee.
(ii) Transfer/pledging can be made to the following authorities.
 -> The President of India/Governor of the State.

-> RBI/Scheduled Bank/Co-operative Society/Co-operative Bank.

-> Corporation (public/private)/Govt. Company/Local Authority.

-> Housing finance company.

Mutual Funds
Distribution of Mutual Funds and Securities:

The Post Office has traditionally been a distributor of financial services, from money orders to banking
services. The Post Office Savings Bank is the largest retail bank in the country, operating from over
1,50,000 branches. With an objective to leverage the strength of the postal network and skills
Department of Posts had started retailing mutual funds and bonds.

At present select schemes of UTI Mutual Fund only are retailed through the designated post offices in
the country through NISM/EUIN certified staff.

International Money Transfer

• Overview

Money Transfer Service Scheme is a quick and easy way of transferring personal remittances from abroad
to beneficiaries in India. Only inward personal remittances into India such as remittances towards family
maintenance and remittances favoring foreign tourists visiting India are permissible. No outward
remittance from India is permissible under MTSS.

As a result of the collaboration of the Department of Posts, Government of India with the Western Union
Financial Services, a state of the art International Money transfer Service is now available through the
Post Offices in India, which enables instantaneous remittance of money from around 195 countries and
territories to India. The recipients can in fact collect the money in minutes after the sender has made the
remittance.

The service is targeted to particularly fulfill the needs of NRI dependent families in India, visiting
International tourists and foreign students studying in India.

• International Money Transfer process

To avail of this Service, a remitter goes to any one of the Western Union locations in the countries in
which the Service operates , fills up a form to send the amount and pays principal amount and charges.
The sender gets a unique Money Transfer Control Number / Reference Number on a receipt after the
 transaction is sent through the system. Thereafter, the sender calls up his/her payee and gives information
on the money sent. The Payee / Receiver goes to the Post Office fills up a form to receive money, shows
valid identification and receives money along with the receipt, once the transaction is verified. This entire
process is completed within ten minutes.

1. The Payee receives the full amount in Indian Rupees. There is a maximum limit of 2500 USD that
can be sent at a time as per applicable RBI regulations which must however be only for personal
use.
2. Amounts up to INR. 50,000/- may be paid to the beneficiary in cash. Any amount exceeding this
limit shall be paid by means of account payee Cheque or credited directly to the Savings
Account standing in the Post Office in the name of the beneficiary. However, in case of foreign
tourists, higher amounts can be payable in cash.
3. Only 30 transactions can be received by a single beneficiary in a calendar year.
4. The Post Offices have been directed to treat the payee as "Most Favoured Customers", which
ensures courteous and efficient service to them.
5. Under the KYC / AML / CFT guidelines issued by the RBI to prevent the system of cross border
inward money transfer into India to be used by criminal elements for money laundering or
terrorist financing activities, beneficiaries / recipients of the money transfers need to provide
sufficient information necessary to establish their identity and proof of residence through reliable
Govt issued documents like:
a. Election Card
b. Driving License
c. PAN Card
d. Ration Card
e. Aadhar Card etc copy of which also has to be provided to the Post Office for
receiving a transfer.
6. This International Money Transfer Service is safe, legal, fast & reliable. Also, it is approved by the
Reserve Bank of India and is being provided by a Department of the Government of India i.e.
the Department of Posts.

“SWOT” ANALYSIS

This SWOT analysis outlines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for a
company, likely a bank or financial institution. Here's a refined version:
STRENGTH

- Extensive product range compared to SBI and PNB

- Wide network of branches and facilities

- Large employee base

- Diverse range of services

- High-quality customer facilities

- Strong network and connectivity

- Cost-effective operations

- High security and safety for deposits

- Efficient and skilled manpower

**WEAKNESS**

- Lack of advertising and promotional activities

- Limited loan offerings to consumers

- Outdated working culture

- Job stress among employees

- Lower interest rates on deposits compared to competitors

**OPPORTUNITIES**

- Expansion in both rural and urban areas

- Growth potential in the vendor field

- Benefit from a developing Indian economy

- Opportunities for international communication and expansion

- Building stronger rapport with customers

- Increasing customer base

- Leveraging technological advancements

- Adapting to an inflationary market

**THREATS**

- Competition from courier services

- Proliferation of courier companies

- Competition from insurance companies

- Intense competition in the banking sector

- Risk of customer dissatisfaction

- Growing market share of competitors

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION **

- Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) offer various
coverage options.

This structure helps in clearly presenting the aspects of the analysis for strategic
planning.
Meghdoot awards
The Meghdoot Awards are given by the India Post to recognize the exemplary
performance of postal employees in various categories. For the year 2021, the
Meghdoot Awards were announced on the occasion of World Post Day.
The awards honor postal employees for their outstanding contribution in various areas
such as customer services, mail operations, and technology initiatives. These awards
aim to motivate postal workers and encourage innovation and excellence within India
Post.

Specific details about the individual winners of the 2021 Meghdoot Awards are
typically announced through official press releases from the India Post. If you need
information on the specific winners or categories, I can help look up the most recent
announcements.

Suggestion

The suggestions provided in the image for the Indian Postal Service Department to
enhance its growth include:

1. Job Rotation Policy : Implementing this policy can increase employee productivity
by preventing monotony and reducing irritation.

2. Soft Skill Training : Training should be led by top-level management to set an

example for others.

3. Employee Satisfaction : Establish a true and fair feedback system where employees
can voice their opinions without fear.

4. Encourage Suggestions : Motivate employees to provide suggestions and ensure

that valuable suggestions receive proper attention without negative consequences.

5. Dress Code : Implement a dress code to promote uniformity. The uniform should be
in light shades to create a cool working environment.
6. No Overtime : Prevent employees from working overtime to maintain efficiency and
effectiveness.

7. Attractive Infrastructure : Focus on creating an appealing infrastructure to attract

customers.

8. Efficient Customer Service : Work towards minimizing queues to respect

customers' time.

9. Customer-Friendly Environment : Ensure a welcoming atmosphere at every service

counter.

10. Competitive Interest Rates : In response to higher banking sector interest rates,
offer competitive rates on deposits to retain customers.

11. Promotional Policy : Adopt adequate promotional strategies, such as advertising

financial services in local newspapers, to attract customers.