National Postal Week: India Post to highlight financial inclusion, services, last-mile connectivity

Convener News Desk 

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Srinagar, October 9: India Post is celebrating National Postal Week from October 9 to 15, commencing with World Post Day, which commemorates the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874.

Addressing the media at the Srinagar GPO Complex, Chief Postmaster General, J&K Circle, Sagar Hanuman Singh, extended greetings to the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to reliable, technology-driven postal, banking, insurance, parcel and citizen-centric services.

Singh said India Post’s extensive network covers urban centres, rural villages, border areas and remote regions, including Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Rajouri, Gurez, Machil, Tetwal, Keran and Zanskar. He informed that the Department has opened more than 17 lakh Post Office Savings Bank accounts in Jammu and Kashmir, while core banking, digital banking, e-KYC and India Post Payments Bank services, including doorstep banking, are strengthening financial inclusion. He also highlighted the role of the Sukanya Samriddhi Account in securing the financial future of the girl child.

 

He stated that digitalisation, modern postal software, track-and-trace facilities, computerised operations and self-booking kiosks are improving customer convenience. The Department also provides Speed Post, parcel and logistics services, Aadhaar enrolment and updation, Postal Life Insurance, Rural Postal Life Insurance and passport services through Post Office Passport Seva Kendras. He added that India Post supports government initiatives through the delivery of PMEGP kits to artisans and beneficiaries.

Highlighting export facilitation, Singh said Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra helps exporters, artisans, craftsmen, MSMEs and small businesses access international markets through assistance with export documentation, customs clearance, packaging, booking and tracking. Local products such as walnuts, saffron, handicrafts, carpets, Pashmina and handloom goods can benefit from this postal export channel. He also cited the Department’s reported 99 per cent insurance claim settlement rate.

Singh further highlighted India Post’s efforts to preserve the region’s cultural and natural heritage through commemorative stamps and special covers. Of the 32 stamps highlighted by J&K Circle, 18 feature Kashmir-based themes, four Jammu-based themes, nine Ladakh-based themes and one a combined Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh theme, including subjects such as the Chinar Tree, Hangul, Pashmina, Mehjoor and Sindhu Darshan.

He also encouraged participation in the annual Dhai Akhar Letter Writing Competition, noting that the last date for submissions this year is October 31, 2026.

Acknowledging the dedication of officers and staff in maintaining uninterrupted public services, Singh said India Post was embracing modern technology while preserving its legacy of trust, accessibility and public service. He reiterated the Department’s commitment to connecting citizens and delivering essential services efficiently across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.