(a) whether the Government proposes to open post offices in all the gram panchayats in the country;
(b) if so, the number of gram panchayats having post offices at present;
(c) whether all the post offices in gram panchayats are having postmen;
(d) if not, the reasons therefor;
(e) whether the Government has opened post offices in different States during the current year;
(f) if so, the names of districts of States where post offices have been opened; and
(g) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) Post Offices are opened subject to fulfilment of distance, population and income norms fixed for this purpose. Hence, post offices can be opened in those Gram Panchayats that fulfil these norms, subject to availability of resources.
(b) 1,20,048 Gram Panchayat villages in the country have the facility of at least one post office.
(c) All post offices in Gram Panchayats provide delivery services through either postmen or through Gramin Dak Sevaks.
(d) Does not arise in view of (c) above.
(e) Yes, Sir. Some Post Offices have been opened, where justified, during the current year, by relocating existing post offices.
(f) The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
(g) Does not arise in view of (e) above.