Sir, Post Office services are utilised by the customers by paying cash for services related to speed post, money orders and to other services through premium, domestic, and international services offered. Financial services, insurance services and philately related services are also availed by the customers upon cash payment at the counters. Further it is also overwhelming to know regarding new ATM services for account holders availing financial services. Of late, all the utility providers like banking services, railway ticket booking, bill payments for electricity, telephone, water supply and other basic services have been provided with an option to make payment through Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, to enable payment by swiping debit/credit cards across the counter. One wonders why the postal department is left behind in implementing such a beneficial digital initiative as a customer still has to make all the payments in cash across the counters in post offices. Despite the postal department’s robust infrastructure and technological improvements over the years, digital payment system through ‘across the counter’ at post offices is yet to be introduced. The shortage of exact tender change at times, across the counter is causing inconvenience to customers especially senior citizens. A digital payment option would help enable smooth flow of transaction and ensure quick delivery of service. It is high time, the postal department takes necessary steps to introduce digital payment through PoS terminals across the counters at post offices. It should also commence the system of online payment for services which involve financial transactions like money order payments.
- Varun, Bengaluru, 28.4.2018
