FRANCHISEE OUTLETS

The Department of Posts is entrusted with teh Universal Service Obligation of increasing access to basic postal services throughout the country. Even though India has the largest postal network in the world, with over 1.55 lakh post offices, including 89% in the rural area, there continues to be a demand for post offices. Franchisee Scheme as an alternative means of providing economical services to public has been functioning since 2007.

Only counter services are to be franchised, while delivery and transmission will be continued throught the Department. Linking arrangements for the franchised outlets will be provided by the franchisee.

Products and services offered:

1. Sale of stamps and stationery.

2. Booking registered articles, speed post articles, money orders (on EDBO model), epost, etc. (no bulk booking to be taken up in franchised outlets

3. Functioning as an agent for PLI and provide related after sales service, including collection of premia.(subject to fulfillment of criteria for PLI agents)

4. Marketing products for which the Department has a corporate agency or tie-up and provide related follow up services. (subject to agreement with the other organisations involved)

5. Providing retail and bill/tax/fine collection/payment services of the Department. (subject to agreement with the other organisations involved

6. Facilitating the provision of e-governance and citizens centric services(subject to greement with the other organisations involved

7. Any other service introduced by the Department in future through its outlets which is considered amenable to the franchisee model. (subject to greement with the other organisations involved

Franchisee outlets were opened at Madikeri Division and at Nanjangud Division on 02.03.2009. Franchisee outlet is already functioning in Bagalkot since December 2008.