Question : POST OFFFICE SAVING SCHEME

(a) whether the Government are aware that agents of small savings schemes i.e. National Savings Certificate (NSC) and Kisan Vikas Patras (KVP) are indulging in losing the Government`s revenue worth crores of rupees with the connivance of officials of the local head post offices in the country;

(b) if so, the details of guidelines in this regard;

(c) whether these agents openly flout these norms/guidelines and can be seen with active patronage of postal officials draw the Commission which would otherwise accrue to the Government;

(d) if so, whether the customers who want to purchase these certificates arebeing grabbed by these forms for which they become eligible for one percent commission without any labour in canvassing for funds;

(e) if so, the details of such cases detected and loss of revenue incurred there on by the Government during each of the last three years; and

(f) the remedial steps taken by the Government to curb such activities in the post offices?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)

(a) & (b): No, Sir. However, to curb such practices, detailed guidelines have been issued which inter-alia allow them to transact their business at hours fixed by the post office, prohibit them to come to Post office premises during the working hours and encourage them to utilize the intervening period to contact the public to mobilize deposits under the small savings schemes.

(c): No, Sir. However, the post offices being unrestricted public places, the possibility of agents working with them cannot be entirely ruled out.

(d) & (e): Does not arise.

(f): From time to time, instructions are issued to all Postal Circles to curb such activities in the post offices.