Key Points:
- Service Discontinued: Indian Postal Department stops Registered Book Post (RBP) service.
- Customer Discontent: Lack of prior notice leads to public outrage.
- Privatization Fears: Speculations arise about potential privatization of postal services.
- Increased Costs: Book lovers face higher expenses for book deliveries.
New Delhi: The Indian Postal Department has abruptly discontinued its Registered Book Post (RBP) service, leaving millions of customers in the lurch. The sudden halt, effective from December 17, has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among users who were not informed beforehand. This move has led to speculations about whether this is a precursor to the privatization of the postal services.
The Indian Postal Department, known for its extensive network of 19,101 pin codes and 154,725 post offices, has been a cornerstone for sending letters, documents, and books across the country. The RBP service, in particular, was a cost-effective option for book lovers, with rates as low as Rs 32 for 1 kg. However, with the service now discontinued, customers are forced to rely on more expensive private courier services, significantly increasing their costs.
When customers visited post offices, they were informed by the staff about the service’s termination, which had already been removed from the postal department’s software without any prior announcement. This lack of communication has led to frustration and anger among the public, who are now questioning the government’s intentions.
The discontinuation of the RBP service is seen by many as a step towards the privatization of the Indian Postal Department, following the trend of other government institutions in India. This change not only burdens customers financially but also raises concerns about the future of affordable postal services in the country.
