100% e-KYC Enablement and Mobile Number Linking in CIFs: Department of Posts Directs Time-Bound Action
Department of Posts Focuses on 100% e-KYC Enablement and Mobile Number Linking in CIFs
The Department of Posts has directed all Postal Circles to take time-bound measures to achieve 100% e-KYC enablement and mobile number linking in Customer Information Files (CIFs) as part of the three-month campaign on Preventive Vigilance, 2026. The initiative is aimed at strengthening KYC compliance and improving the completeness of customer records across the postal network.
Download Department of Posts Directs Time-Bound Action
In a circular dated 15 October 2026, the Financial Services Division of the Department of Posts instructed all Heads of Circles to identify CIFs that are not e-KYC-enabled and complete the prescribed re-KYC process to enable e-KYC. Circles have also been asked to identify CIFs without linked mobile numbers and take necessary steps to ensure that the respective mobile numbers are linked.
The campaign on Preventive Vigilance is being conducted from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with KYC/e-KYC and mobile number seeding in all accounts identified as key digital initiatives.
Circle-Wise Review of e-KYC Status
According to the data provided in Annexure-I of the circular, the total number of CIFs stood at 22.94 crore, while 20.29 crore CIFs were reported as e-KYC-enabled, representing an overall coverage of 0.88% as recorded in the annexure. The figures indicate the need for focused action by Circles to improve e-KYC coverage. The reported percentage should be verified against the underlying figures before publication, as the totals appear inconsistent.
Mobile Number Linking: Scope for Improvement
Annexure-II of the circular reports that, out of 22.94 crore CIFs, mobile numbers were linked in 15.04 crore CIFs, representing an overall coverage of 65.57%. This highlights the importance of identifying CIFs without linked mobile numbers and taking appropriate action to improve coverage.
Among the Circles, Himachal Pradesh reported the highest mobile-linking coverage at 86.26%, followed by Chhattisgarh at 82.10% and Assam at 76.82%. Andhra Pradesh reported 52.40%, while Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh reported 54.14% and 54.21%, respectively, indicating areas requiring additional attention.
Time-Bound Action and Monitoring
The Department has instructed all Heads of Circles to examine the Circle-wise data, identify gaps and formulate appropriate action plans to achieve complete coverage in both areas. Necessary directions are to be issued to the concerned field units, with close monitoring of progress and expeditious completion of pending activities in accordance with prescribed procedures.
The initiative underscores the importance of maintaining accurate and complete customer records and strengthening digital processes in postal financial services. Coordinated efforts by Circle offices and field units will be essential to achieving the targeted coverage within the campaign period.