The Post Office Act 2023 comes into effect | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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The Post Office Act 2023 comes into effect

Posted 19 Jun 2024

2 min read

It repeals the Indian Post Office Act, 1898.

Provisions of the Post Office Act, 2023

  • Director General of Postal Services (DGPS) will be appointed to head India Post.
    • DGPS will have powers to make regulations on matters such as charges  for services, supply and sale of postage stamps.
  • Powers to intercept postal articles: 
    • Government can intercept an article transmitted through India Post on specified grounds
    • Grounds include security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, emergency, or public safety.
  • Exemptions from liability: Post office  will not incur any liability with regard to its services, except such liability as may be prescribed with regard to a service provided by the Post Office.
  • There are no penal provisions prescribed in the Act.

Importance of the Act

  • It creates a simple legislative framework for delivery of citizen centric services, banking services and benefits of Government schemes at the last mile.
  • It enhances the ease of doing business and ease of living.

Postal System During British Era

  • The East India company opened its first post office in 1727.
  • Lord Dalhousie recognized the Indian Post Offices as a separate organization of national importance.
  • Present site of the General Post Office of Kolkata was the site of the first Fort William.

 

  • Tags :
  • Post Office Act 2023
  • Lord Dalhousie
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