Question : FUNCTIONING OF POST OFFICES

(a) whether a number of Post and Telegraph Offices are functioning in rented accommodation in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof , State-wise including Maharashtra and Gujarat;

(c) the time by which the said Post and Telegraph Offices are likely to be provided their own buildings;

(d) whether the Government proposes to provide postal services in each village of the country including in Gadchiroli-Chimur Parliamentary Constituency and other tribal areas in the State of Maharashtra and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the residential colonies of Postal and Telegraph Staff are sufficient in the country; and

(f) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and Circle-wise?

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

(a) Yes, Madam. A number of Post Offices are functioning in rented accommodation in the country.

As regards Telegraph Offices, the telegram service has completely closed down w.e.f. 15-07-2013, therefore, no Telegraph Office is functioning in the country.

(b) The State-wise number of post offices functioning in rented accommodation including Maharashtra and Gujarat are at Annexure-I.

As regards Telegraph Offices, not applicable in view of (a) above.

(c) The provision of own buildings for post offices in the country is an ongoing activity subject to availability of land & funds.

As regards Telegraph Offices, not applicable in view of (a) above.

(d) Yes, Madam. Department through a network of 1,39,182 post offices in rural areas (including 301 post offices in Gadchiroli-Chimur Parliamentary Constituency) is providing services of clearance of letter boxes, regular delivery of mail and sale of stamps & stationery to every customer in every village, irrespective of terrain. The Circle-wise number of post offices in rural areas (as on 31.03.2014) is enclosed at Annexure-II. A list of the different services offered through the postal network is enclosed at Annexure-III.

In addition to sale through postal outlets, sale of stamps and stationery is also being offered through postmen/delivery agents, while they are on their regular visits to respective beats. Therefore, postal services are available in all villages of the country including Gadchiroli-Chimur Parliamentary Constituency and other tribal areas in the State of Maharashtra.

(e) Yes, Madam.

(f) The Circle-wise number of residential colonies of Postal staff in the country is at Annexure-IV.

As regards colonies of Telegraph Staff, no quarters have been earmarked separately for telegraph employees and lots of BSNL staff quarters are lying vacant.