Postal department relaunches franchisee scheme for individuals and firms

MUMBAI: India Post has relaunched its earlier franchisee scheme for domestic postal services from February 1. The scheme allows licensed individuals and firms to earn commission by booking inland speed post non-COD items, registered letters and e-money orders, selling postage stamps and stationery, and becoming a direct agent for postal life insurance.

Addressing a press meet at GPO Monday, chief postmaster general, Maharashtra Circle, KK Sharma said a few basic conditions had to be met by individuals and firms to procure a license. The applicant must be above 18 years of age, must have cleared the Class X exam, own a valid PAN card, be computer literate and own a smartphone with an active internet connection. A basic security deposit of Rs 10,000 is required. Firms including corner shops, stationery stores and small businesses are also eligible. The premises must have approved signage, computer with internet, weighing scale, barcode scanner and printer. A security deposit of Rs 10,000 per location is mandatory.

In addition, India Post has launched a Click N Book service in 141 post offices, allowing customers to book speed post, registered letters and parcels online. A nominal pick-up fee of Rs 50 will be charged. The scheme will benefit students, senior citizens, disabled and working persons.

A new 24/7 Smart & Digital Parcel Delivery System (Anvit Sewa) has been started initially in three post offices in Thane, Vashi and Pune. It will be extended to Mumbai GPO, Mumbai Central railway station and Ghatkopar. The postman will drop parcels in a digital parcel locker upon which the customer will receive an OTP for collecting the parcel. He may collect the shipment anytime at his convenience.

Sharma also declared the launch of 69 Dak Niryat Kendras (DNK) that are designed to facilitate exports in all districts of Maharashtra and Goa. These centres provide parcel packaging material, postal bill of exchange, custom clearance facility and pick-up for bulk customers under one roof. The authorities claim this will boost the small scale business of local exporters and self-help groups from rural areas.