Question : Post Offices

(a) the number of post offices in the country including in the backward areas as on date, district-wise;

(b) the number of post offices proposed to be opened by the Government in all the villages during the current financial year, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government has formulated any policy for opening new post offices and upgrading old post offices/sub-post offices in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whehter the Government has identified the places where postal services are not available and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise; and

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

MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS,
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)

(a) Sir, the number of post offices in the country including in the backward areas as on date, district wise is enclosed as Annexure-I.

(b) There are 2079 Post Offices proposed to be opened during the current financial year, of which, 2000 Branch Post Offices (BOs) are proposed to be opened in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts. The State/UT-wise details is furnished at Annexure-II.

(c) & (d) Yes Sir, the Government has laid down norms of distance, population and anticipated income for opening of new post offices. The details are at Annexure-III.

(e) & (f) The Postal network of more than 1.56 lakhs Post Offices provides postal services to entire country. Any place without post office are provided postal facilities from existing nearby post offices.