Postal Directorate Urged to Implement DARPAN Rural SO & BO Transformation Cell Across India
AIAIASP Karnataka Seeks Nationwide Implementation of DARPAN Rural SO & BO Transformation Cell
The All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents of Posts (AIAIASP), Karnataka Circle has appealed to its Central Headquarters (CHQ) to take up with the Postal Directorate the immediate implementation of the Directorate's DARPAN guidelines for strengthening Sub Divisional Offices under the Rural SO & BO Transformation Cell. The Association has requested that the policy be implemented uniformly across all Postal Circles to improve field administration, business development, and rural postal services.
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Directorate's DARPAN Initiative
The representation refers to the Directorate's letter F. No. 10-31/2020-DARPAN dated 19 November 2025, issued by the CCS & Rural Business Division. The Directorate recognized the critical role played by Sub Divisional Offices in rural postal operations and proposed activation of the Rural SO & BO Transformation Cell from the Circle level down to every Sub Divisional Office.
Under the proposal, every Sub Divisional Office is expected to receive:
- One Marketing Executive
- One Postal Assistant
- Existing Mail Overseer(s) with revised business-oriented roles focused on marketing, outreach, and revenue generation.
Implementation Yet to Materialize
According to the Association, despite nearly eight months having elapsed since the issuance of the Directorate's instructions, the policy has not been effectively implemented in Karnataka Circle. Most Sub Divisional Offices reportedly continue to function with only a Mail Overseer and an Office Assistant from the Postman cadre, without the additional manpower proposed under the DARPAN initiative.
The Association stated that Sub Divisional Heads continue to shoulder extensive responsibilities, including inspections, business development, customer service, technology implementation, disciplinary administration, staff mentoring, and revenue generation, while also handling routine clerical work due to inadequate ministerial support.
Appeal to the Postal Directorate
The Karnataka Circle Branch has requested the CHQ to pursue the matter with the Postal Directorate and seek:
- Immediate implementation of the Directorate's DARPAN guidelines across all Postal Circles.
- A review of the implementation status in every Circle.
- Timely directions to ensure uniform compliance with the policy.
- Adequate manpower and infrastructure for every Sub Divisional Office to strengthen field administration.
Why the Reform Matters
The Association believes that strengthening Sub Divisional Offices is not a new demand but the execution of an already approved Directorate policy. It argues that empowering these offices will significantly improve operational efficiency, business expansion, customer satisfaction, and the implementation of rural postal initiatives under the Rural SO & BO Transformation Programme.
Conclusion
The AIAIASP Karnataka Circle has urged the Postal Directorate to accord the matter the highest priority and ensure early implementation of the DARPAN guidelines across the country. The Association believes that stronger Sub Divisional Offices will enhance rural postal operations, improve service quality, and support the Department of Posts in achieving its long-term transformation goals.