Question : MODERNISATION OF PO

(a) whether the Government proposes to modernise and upgrade all the Post Offices;

(b) if so, the details thereof as on 31st December, 2014, State-wise including Karnataka;

(c) the total investment made in the project and whether special priority is being given to post offices in rural areas;

(d) if so, the time by which the modernisation/upgradation of all the Post Offices is likely to be completed including in Karnataka; and

(e) the action taken by the Government to expedite the modernisation work?

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) Yes, Madam. The Government proposes to modernize and upgrade all departmental Post Offices in a phased manner.

(b) As on date, 2615 post offices have been modernized and upgraded under ‘Look and Feel’ activities of Project Arrow. State wise details, including Karnataka, are given at Annexure-1.

(c) The project was initiated during financial year 2008-09. During the 11th Plan period, an investment of Rs. 229.96 crore was made. During 12th Plan period, an outlay of Rs.284 crore has been approved by the Government for the project. The Project does not have any special priority for the post offices in rural areas. However, improvement in the quality of departmental post offices has a positive impact on quality of postal services in rural areas too.

(d) & (e) All departmental post offices have been computerized. Modernization by way of improvement of post office infrastructure and ‘Look & Feel’ activity is a continuous process dependent on availability of funds.