Question : RENOVATION OF POST OFFICES

(a) whether the Government is considering to introduce any special scheme for the renovation of post offices lying in dilapidated condition in various parts of the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether a large number of post office buildings lacks basic amenities like drinking water, power and toilets;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard during the last three years and the current year; and

(e) the funds allocated and spent thereon during the said period?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI SACHIN PILOT)

(a) & (b) There is no special scheme for the renovation of post offices as this is an ongoing activity. However, a Scheme named “Project Arrow” for modernization and upgrading selected departmental post offices in the country by improving their ambience and infrastructure under its ‘look and feel’ component is being implemented by the Government and has been implemented in 1759 post offices upto 31-03-2012.

(c) & (d) Post Offices are rented wherever provision of basic amenities like drinking water, power and toilets are provided by the landlord. In case the provisions are not satisfactory, due notice is given to the landlord to take up immediate remedial steps.

(e) The details of funds allocated and spent under the Head Non-Plan (Building Maintenance) during the last three years and the current year are as under:

(Rs. in thousands)
Year	Allocation	Expenditure
2009-10	714500	711812
2010-11	870000	832221
2011-12	870000	844670
2012-13	837000	113706	(upto July, 2012)