(a) the number of post offices upgraded/being upgraded across the country during each of the last three years, State/UT-wise;
(b) whether Government proposes to use vacant space at post office premises for commercial purpose other than postal services; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS,
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)
(a) Sir, a total of 197 Post Offices have been upgraded across the country during the last three years. State/ UT-wise details of post offices upgraded during each of the last three years are at Annexure-I.
(b) & (c) Yes, Sir. The Department has formulated guidelines for renting out of excess vacant built-up space, at the prevailing market rent after obtaining bids based on open tender and for granting licenses for installing Telecom Towers on rooftops of suitable Post Office buildings in the country, to any Registered licensed Indian Telecom Service Providers (TSP) and/or registered private Telecom Infrastructure Provider (TIP), permitted by the Department of Telecommunications to operate in the Country, on limited and non-exclusive basis on payment of license fee. A summary note on the formulated guidelines is at Annexure II.