Question : Modernisation of Postal Department

(a) whether the Government has any proposal to modernise and computerise the post offices in the country under ''Project Arrow'' Scheme;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Kerala;

(c) whether the Department of Posts is running into losses in the country and if so, the steps taken in this regard;

(d) whether the Government proposes to open post offices in all villages of the country and if so, the time by which it is likely to be implemented;

(e) whether the Government has any proposal to link all the schemes and providing more service added schemes with post offices under Digital India Programme and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

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

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) The details of the Departmental Post Offices modernized and computerized under ‘Project Arrow’ are annexed.

(c) The Department of Posts has Universal Service Obligation (USO) to be fulfilled. Consequently, there is deficit; this is covered by budgetary support.

(d) No, Madam. The villages without post offices are provided postal facilities through existing nearby post offices.

(e) & (f) The Department of Posts has initiated IT Modernization Project which will make the Post Office the focal point of delivery of benefits under social security and employment guarantee schemes of Centre, and State Governments, like disbursement of wages under MNREGA, pension and scholarships, etc. through direct benefit transfer employing biometric authentication of financial transactions. This aids the Digital India Programme.