Most Himachal post offices to end telegram services

In the age of e-mails, mobile phones and faxes, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has decided to end telegram services in almost all centres in Himachal Pradesh.

According to a letter written last week by BSNL to the postal department, which runs some 2,700 post offices across the hill state, telegram services would not be available in the state except in 39 post offices.

"Telegram services will only be provided in those places where they are needed," said AV Chaturvedi, deputy general manager, BSNL.

However, the postal department wants to continue with the services. "BSNL has decided to stop the telegram services at our post offices on its own, though we want to jointly continue this service at our centres," said Vijay Kumar Nayar, chief postmaster general, Himachal Pradesh.

Though mobile connectivity has spread rapidly all over the state, villagers still depend on telegram services.