Question : CONSTRUCTION OF POST OFFICES

(a) the details of post office buildings constructed and are under construction in the country along with the expenditure incurred thereon, State-wise;

(b) the new post office buildings proposed to be constructed during the current year and the funds allocated for the purpose, State-wise;

(c) whether a large number of owners of the premises in which post offices are functioning on rent have asked the postal authorities to vacate their premises;

(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise along with the post offices shifted to own constructed buildings during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to vacate the rented buildings including those functioning in Delhi and Mumbai; and

(f) the time-frame fixed by the Government to construct buildings for post offices and vacate the rented premises, State-wise including Mumbai?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. (SMT.) KILLI KRUPARANI)

(a) The State-wise details of number of post office buildings constructed and are under construction in the country during the last financial year (2011-12) and the current year upto January, 2013 alongwith the expenditure incurred thereon is enclosed as Annexure-I.

(b) No new post office buildings are proposed to be constructed during the current year (2012-13) and no funds allocated for the purpose as the “Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) Memorandum” for XII Five Year Plan is under examination.

(c) Yes, Madam.

(d) The State-wise details of number of owners, who have asked the postal authorities to vacate their premises, where the post offices are functioning on rent and the number of post offices shifted to own constructed buildings during the last three years and the current year is enclosed as per Annexure-II.

(e) On receipt of request from the owner(s), the department takes necessary action for searching alternative accommodation by floating tenders, wherever possible for shifting of the Post Offices functioning in rented buildings including Delhi and Mumbai.

(f) The construction of own buildings to shift the Post Offices is an ongoing activity. Government is taking action to construct their own buildings including in Mumbai, so as to shift the Post Offices from rented buildings by making a plan activity of compiling such cases, thereafter making a priority list followed by approval of Expenditure Finance Committee subject to the availability of funds from Planning Commission.