POST OFFICE ACT 2023

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26 Dec POST OFFICE ACT 2023

Posted at 26 Dec 2023 in Current Affairs, Daily Current Affairs for UPSC, GS Paper II by
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GS2 MAINS Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions services

WHY IN NEWS? 

  1. Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha has passed the Post Office Act, 2023 which seeks to replace Indian Post Office Act, 1898 and simplify legislative framework to facilitate evolution of India Post into a citizen-centric service network.
  2. This legislation is an attempt to ensure the effective functioning of the Postal Department as a messenger service and as a provider of banking facilities.

NEED FOR NEW ACT? 

  1. 38th Report of Law Commission on Indian Post Office Act, 1898 highlighted several concerns such as the Act provides for the interception on the ground of ‘public emergency’:
    1. Since the term ‘public emergency’ has not been explicitly defined in the act, it provides a broad basis for interception, thus limiting citizen’s Right to Privacy ( upheld as Fundamental Right under Article 21 in Puttaswamy Case 2017) & suspension of fundamental rights to speech and expression (Article 19 (1)).
    2. Thus Law Commission recommended that Parliament should amend the existing laws relating to interception to ensure that they adhere to the Constitution. 
  2. To Replace the outdated Indian Post Office Act of 1898
  3. To modernize and enhance the efficiency of the Postal Department.
  4. Addresses the evolving role of post offices, transforming them into service-delivery institutions and expanding their functions to include banking facilities.
  5. To adapt to the changing demands of the digital era, ensuring that postal services remain relevant and effective.
  6. To broaden the authority of the Director General of Postal Services beyond mail

PROVISIONS OF THE ACT: 

  1. Issuance of postal stamp: India Post will have the exclusive privilege over issuing postage stamps.
  2. Services to be prescribed: India Post will provide services, as may be prescribed by the central government.
  3. Director General to make regulations: Provision for the appointment of a Director General, who is authorized to create regulations for all activities essential to postal service provision.
  4. Power of Interception: Allows interception of postal articles on grounds such as state security, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, emergency, public safety, or contravention of the Act or other laws. 
    1. Any authorized officer appointed by the central government can conduct interceptions.
  5. Examination of Postal Article:  Empowers an India Post officer to deliver the postal article to the customs authority or any other specified authority for handling.
  6. Exemption from liability: The government is exempt from liability for loss, mis-delivery, delay, or damage to postal articles, unless the central government explicitly assumes liability.
    1. Officers are also exempt, except in cases of fraud or willful misconduct.
  7. Removal of offence and penalties: Provide for one offence or consequence that is unpaid amounts can be recovered as arrears of land revenue.

ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACT: 

  1. High Government Control: The provision allowing the interception and opening of parcels by the government may enhance control but also raise potential issues of privacy and misuse.
  2. Loss of Exclusive Privileges: The elimination of exclusive privileges for the central government in conveying letters and issuing postage stamps may impact traditional postal services.
  3. Liability Concerns: Shifting liability from the central government to the Post Office for its services may raise questions about accountability and responsibility.
  4. Data Privacy and Security: The expanded interception powers necessitate the establishment of robust data privacy and security measures to safeguard the personal information of postal service users.
  5. Differing Legislation for Couriers: The absence of similar legislation for courier firms raises concerns about regulatory body. 

WAY FORWARD: 

The introduction of the new Post Office Bill (2023) marks a significant step in clarifying vague definitions, particularly regarding what constitutes a ‘letter.’ The bill’s emphasis on digitalization marks a new step forward in the direction of Digital India. It also streamlines sorting processes & opens avenues for efficient mail and parcel delivery, including the possibility of drone deliveries. Overall, the changes reflect an adaptation to evolving needs, prioritizing legality, and enhancing security in the postal service landscape.

SCHEMES UNDER INDIAN POST OFFICE: 

  1. National Saving Recurring Deposit Account: Government supervised savings system, requiring a minimum deposit of Rs. 10.
  2. National Savings Time Deposit Account: Offers accounts with varying maturity dates (1, 2, 3, and 5 years) for individuals or groups of up to three persons.
  3. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme Account: Fixed-income investment for individuals over 60, ensuring a steady flow of income after retirement, with a 5-year lock-in term.
  4. Public Provident Fund Account: Long-term investment plan with a 15-year lock-in period, offering a mix of security, earnings, and tax savings.
  5. National Savings Certificates (NSC): Government savings bonds for smaller savings and tax-saving investments, with a 5-year maturity period.
  6. Kisan Vikas Patra Account: Modest savings instrument encouraging long-term savings, doubling the principal in 9 years and 4 months.
  7. Sukanya Samriddhi Account. 

HISTORY OF POST IN INDIA:

  1. 1296 CE: Horse and foot postal system during the rule of Allauddin Khilji
  2. 1341 CE: Ibn Battuta describes El Wolak (Horse carriers) and El Davah, (foot runners) during the reign of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 CE) 
  3. 1541 CE: Sher Shah introduces horse dak on the 2000-mile stretch of road between Bengal and Sind (Grand Trunk Road)
  4. 1672 CE: Mysore Anche is established by Maharaja Chikka Devaraya Wodeyar.
  5. 1766 CE: Robert Clive sets up a regular postal system
  6. 1774 CE: Warren Hastings organizes the Post Office
  7. 1854 CE: Post Office Act XVII introduced by Lord Dalhousie 
  8. Indian Postal order was established in 1935 CE.

PRELIMS PRACTISE QUESTION 2024:

Q1: Terms such as “El Wolak” & “El Davah” used by Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta in his book “Rihla” during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq shows the efficient:

a. Spy system

b. Postal system

c. Revenue collection

d. Judicial machinery 

ANSWER: B

Q2: Consider the following statements in context of Indian history:

  1. Horse & foot based postal system was first devised by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
  2. Ibn Battuta describes the effecient Foot & Horse based postal system during Tughlaq dynasty in his book Rihla
  3. It was Warren hasting who introduced a regular Postal system in Colonised India

Which of the above statements is correct?

a. Only one pair

b. Only two pair

c. Only three pair

d. None of the above pair

ANSWER: A

EXPLANATION: 

HISTORY OF POST IN INDIA:

  1. 1296 CE: Horse and foot postal system during the rule of Allauddin Khilji
  2. 1341 CE: Ibn Battuta describes El Wolak (Horse carriers) and El Davah, (foot runners) during the reign of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 CE) 
  3. 1541 CE: Sher Shah introduces horse dak on the 2000-mile stretch of road between Bengal and Sind (Grand Trunk Road)
  4. 1672 CE: Mysore Anche is established by Maharaja Chikka Devaraya Wodeyar.
  5. 1766 CE: Robert Clive sets up a regular postal system
  6. 1774 CE: Warren Hastings organizes the Post Office
  7. 1854 CE: Post Office Act XVII introduced by Lord Dalhousie 
  8. Indian Postal order was established in 1935 CE.
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