DoP to Prevent Diversion of Direct Business Through Stronger Inspections and Vigilance staff
A retired senior officer of the Department of Posts has submitted a representation to the Secretary, Department of Posts, highlighting an alleged malpractice affecting Postal Savings Bank business and recommending a series of administrative and vigilance measures to strengthen transparency and protect departmental revenue.
The representation has been submitted by Shri Vilas Ingale, Retired Assistant Director Postal Services (A&V), Foreign Post Office, Mumbai, and former General Secretary of the All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents of Posts.
Concern Over Diversion of Direct Business
In the representation, Shri Ingale has expressed concern over the alleged diversion of walk-in customer business to agency-based business in certain post offices. According to the representation, some customers approaching post offices directly for opening savings accounts or investing in small savings schemes are allegedly encouraged to route their applications through authorized agents instead of being treated as direct customers.
The representation states that such practices, if they occur, could lead to unnecessary commission payments, affect departmental revenue, and erode public confidence in postal financial services.
Suggestions for Strengthening Vigilance
To address the issue, the representation proposes several administrative measures, including:
Incorporating specific vigilance checkpoints in the departmental inspection and visit questionnaire.
Conducting surprise inspections at post offices to detect unauthorized practices.
Verifying agent-related records and account opening documents during inspections.
Obtaining periodic written undertakings from concerned officials regarding compliance with departmental procedures.
Circulating detected cases, where established, as learning material to strengthen preventive vigilance across Postal Circles.
Exploring the use of technology and exception reports to identify unusual transaction patterns for further scrutiny.
Focus on Transparency and Accountability
The representation emphasizes that strengthening inspection mechanisms and improving oversight could help enhance transparency, protect government revenue, and reinforce public trust in the Department of Posts. It also suggests that robust monitoring would support ongoing modernization initiatives and improve the integrity of postal financial services.
Request to the Department
The retired officer has requested the Secretary, Department of Posts, to examine the issue and consider suitable policy and administrative measures, including strengthening inspection procedures and vigilance practices wherever necessary.
The representation concludes by expressing confidence that continued efforts to improve transparency and accountability will further strengthen the reputation of India Post as a trusted public service institution.
Note: The representation reflects the views and suggestions of the author. The Department of Posts has not made any public announcement regarding the implementation of the proposals contained in the representation.