DoP to sell forex in select metros

Post offices in metro cities are set for a major change with the government deciding to introduce new facilities like forex counters, cargo services, access to instant money order and other revenue generating services.

"We have got the licence from the RBI to start the foreign exchange business in some post offices in selected metros. We are finalising the deal, which will be operational soon," said S Samant, Chief General Manager, Business Development, department of post (DoP).

Samant said the department was acquiring a plane to operate a dedicated cargo service to carry parcels, mails and couriers to the north-eastern states.

The cargo flight would take off from Kolkata every morning and return in the evening after delivering the services at Agartala and Imphal, he said.

The department recently signed an MoU with the railways to sell train tickets in some of the post offices. Besides, it had undertaken the task of verifying pre-paid mobile subscribers in some areas, Samant said.

"The future vision of the DoP is of a socially committed, commercially-oriented and technologically-driven organisation which can deliver services to the farthest corners of the country at affordable rates," Samant said.

There are about 1.5 lakh post offices all in the country with a significant number of employees.