Question : INDIAN POST OFFICE ACT,1898



(a) whether Expenditure Reforms Commission (ERC) has recommended the review of Indian Post Office Act, 1898;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the action taken by the Government thereon?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SANJAY PASWAN)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) & (c): The recommendations of the Committee and view of the Government are as under:

Recommendations	View of the Government
1. Provide Legal basis to 1&2. In the Indian Post private couriers. Office(Amendment) Bill, 2002 introduced in the Lok

2. Withdraw Legal Sabha on 17-05-2002, protection of monopoly over registration of private letter services. couriers has been proposed while retaining

3. Transferring tariff exclusive privilege of the fixing power from legislative Government for control. conveyance of letters.

3. The proposal amounts

4. Corporatize the Post to excessive delegation of Office. powers since it is the privilege of the Parliament

5. Postal Services Board to to levy taxes. Hence not have statutory status with accepted. enhanced administrative and 4. The proposition is not financial powers. feasible since postal services to a large extent are subsidized by the Government. 5. Suitable amendments have been proposed to this effect in the Indian Post Office (Amendment) Bill, 2002.