(a) the number of Panchayats not having post offices in the country including Bihar and the time by which the post offices are likely to be set up in those Panchayats State-wise;
(b) whether the Government has formulated any scheme for expansion/ construction of Raiyam Sugar Mill Post Office situated at Darbhanga district in Bihar; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)
(a) The State-wise number of Gram Panchayats without post offices (as on 31.03.2013) including Bihar is at Annexure. Opening of post offices is an ongoing activity, undertaken on the basis of prescribed norms subject to availability of resources under Five Year Plan. Department of Posts has decided to open 400 new post offices in rural areas by redeployment and relocation during 12th Plan Period, out of which 172 post offices have already been opened. The target for opening of new post offices in rural areas during current financial year 2014-15 is 80.
(b) No, Madam. Raiyam Sugar Mill Post Office situated at Darbhanga district in Bihar is already operating from Departmental building.
(c) Does not arise in view of (b) above.