(a) Whether there is any proposal under the consideration of the Government
to ban couriers from handling postage that are less than 300 gms in weight;
(b) If so, whether this is likely to monopolise the system of weighed mails
by allegedly stifling competition;
(c) If so, the details in this regard;
(d) Whether the Government proposes to regulate and register the couriers industry; and
(e) If so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) to (c) Section 4 of the existing Indian Post Office Act, 1898 confers exclusive
privilege on the Central Government for conveying letters with some exceptions.
This exclusive privilege is now proposed to be relaxed so that couriers also may
be permitted to carry letter mail weighing over 300 grams.
(d) & (e) The draft amendment Bill which proposes to amend the Indian Post Office
Act, 1898, envisages the setting up of an independent Mail Regulatory and Development
Authority for ensuring a level playing field in the mail sector for all service providers
including private courier companies. Registration of couriers is also provided for in the
Amendment Bill so as to ensure accountability, responsibility and best services to the
customers.