The Post Office Bill, 2023, was passed by the Parliament on December 18, 2023, replacing the 125-year-old Indian Post Office Act of 1898. The bill aims to simplify the legislative framework and facilitate the evolution of India Post into a citizen-centric service network.
Key features of the bill include:
Repealing the Indian Post Office Act, 1898: The bill replaces the outdated act, which granted the central government exclusive privileges over conveying letters.
Shift in focus: The new legislation shifts the focus to a more citizen-centric service network, allowing India Post to provide services prescribed under Rules, with the Director General of Postal Services appointed to oversee operations.
Exclusive privileges of the central government: The bill provides that wherever the central government establishes posts, it will have the exclusive privilege of conveying letters by post.
Services to be provided by India Post: The services to be provided by India Post will be prescribed under the Rules.
Director General of Postal Services: The bill appoints the Director General of Postal Services to head India Post.
Interception of mail: The bill allows the central government to authorize officers to intercept, open, and read letters or other communication for reasons related to national security, public order, emergency, or contravention of prevailing laws.
Exemption from liability: The bill exempts the post office and its officers from liability unless the officer has acted fraudulently or wilfully caused loss, delay, or misdelivery of service.
Removal of penalties and offenses: The bill removes all penalties and offenses under the 1898 Act, such as misconduct, fraud, and theft, among others.
Regulation of private courier services: For the first time, the bill regulates private courier services by bringing them under its ambit.
Liability prescribed by the central government: The bill introduces the provision that the central government may prescribe liability for loss, misdelivery, delay, or damage to postal articles.
However, the bill has faced scrutiny for potential shortcomings, particularly regarding the interception of mail. Section 9 of the legislation empowers the central government to authorize officers to intercept, open, and read letters or other communication.
Despite these concerns, the bill was successfully passed in both houses of Parliament, receiving approval from the Rajya Sabha on December 4.
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