India Post Proposes New SOP for Faster Past Work Verification of Savings Accounts
India Post Proposes New SOP for Faster Past Work Verification of Savings Accounts
The Department of Posts has introduced a Proposed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for carrying out Past Work Verification (PWV) / Cent Percent Verification in Savings Bank and certificate-related accounts. The move aims to speed up fraud detection, improve accountability, and ensure quicker verification of customer balances across post offices.
According to the proposal, delays in completing PWV cases have been affecting fraud assessment and resolution for months or even years. The department observed that the absence of a standardized procedure was one of the major reasons behind prolonged investigations.
Download Verification of Savings Accounts
Why the New SOP Was Needed
The document highlights that technological advancements and mandatory mobile number linking in Savings Bank operations have opened new opportunities for quicker verification of account balances. The SOP seeks to utilize SMS-based confirmation, SB-46 notices, and physical verification methods to complete the verification process more efficiently.
The department has also proposed revising the earlier timelines and setting a clear operational framework for all Circles and Divisions.
Step-by-Step Verification Process
Step 1: Preparation of Past Work Verification List
A category-wise list of all live accounts standing at SO/BO offices will first be prepared. The verification will cover:
Savings Accounts (SB)
Recurring Deposits (RD)
SSA
MIS
SCSS
PPF
KVP
NSC
TD Accounts
PLI/RPLI
The office of fraud will maintain records in a prescribed format for monitoring purposes.
Step 2: Verification Through Mobile Number
Accounts with registered mobile numbers will be verified through SMS alerts. Customers will receive balance confirmation messages and will be asked to confirm whether the balance shown is correct.
If customers reply that the balance is correct, the account will be treated as verified. In cases where no reply is received or the balance differs, further action will be initiated.
SMS Verification Format
The proposed SMS format asks customers to confirm the balance available in their account/passbook within two days. Customers can reply:
YES – if the balance is correct
NO – if there is any discrepancy
Step 3: Verification Through SB-46 Notices
For accounts that could not be verified through mobile numbers but have proper addresses available, SB-46 notices will be issued. These notices will be sent to customers requesting confirmation of their account balances.
The SOP also records reasons for non-delivery, such as:
Address not found
Addressee left
No such person
Incomplete address
House locked
Refused delivery
Step 4: Physical Verification Through Mail Overseers/PRI
Accounts where SB-46 notices are returned undelivered will undergo physical verification by Mail Overseers or PRI staff through field visits to customers’ addresses.
The staff will verify balances directly with account holders and record the outcome in prescribed formats.
Step 5: Onsite Verification at Post Offices
For the remaining unverified accounts, post office staff will verify balances when customers visit counters or post offices for transactions. Awareness campaigns and notices inside post offices are also proposed to encourage customers to confirm balances.
Important Features of the SOP
Multi-stage verification system
Mobile-based balance confirmation
Physical verification for undelivered cases
Standardized reporting formats
Faster completion timelines
Improved fraud detection and accountability
The document further proposes a 45-day timeline for completing Past Work Verification cases using technological interventions and field verification methods.
The proposed SOP is expected to strengthen transparency in Savings Bank operations and help India Post resolve fraud-related verification cases more efficiently.