NewKerala.com

Postal Service Shakeup: Why Scrapping Registered Post Hurts India's Poor

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president has strongly criticized the Central government's decision to scrap Registered Post services. He argues this move forces poor citizens, students, and small businesses to pay nearly double for essential communication. The postal department had actually earned substantial profits while providing affordable services to millions. This policy change represents what he calls economic exploitation of India's most vulnerable populations.

Key Points: TN Congress Chief Slams Centre Over Registered Post Discontinuation

  • Registered Post service discontinued forcing citizens to use costlier Speed Post
  • Postal department earned Rs 2,300 crore profit last financial year despite services
  • Cost difference significant with Registered Post at Rs 45 versus Speed Post at Rs 85
  • Additional 18% GST imposed making essential communication services unaffordable for poor
2 min read

'Anti-people policy', TN Cong chief slams Centre over scrapping registered postal service

Tamil Nadu Congress president condemns BJP government's decision to scrap Registered Post service, calling it anti-poor policy that doubles costs for essential communication.

"Stopping the Registered Post service is not just a financial burden — it is economic exploitation of India's poor - K. Selvaperunthagai"

Chennai, Nov 6

In a sharp criticism of the Centre’s recent move, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai said the BJP-led Central government's decision to discontinue the Indian Postal Department’s Registered Post service and compel citizens to rely solely on Speed Post was an “anti-people policy that exploits the poor and undermines social justice”.

In a post shared on the social media platform X, Selvaperunthagai said the Indian Postal Department is a vital institution that provides essential communication services to millions across the country.

“It is one of the few departments that serves the masses directly and even earned a profit of over Rs 2,300 crore in the last financial year,” he wrote.

“However, with the sole aim of increasing revenue, the Union BJP government has now scrapped the Registered Post service and is forcing people to use the costlier Speed Post. This decision has forced the poor, students, job seekers, lawyers, and government departments to pay nearly double the earlier fee to send letters, applications, and certificates,” he said.

Selvaperunthagai pointed out that while there is no significant difference in delivery time between Registered Post and Speed Post, the charges vary greatly. “The Registered Post earlier cost around Rs 45, whereas Speed Post costs Rs 85. The acknowledgement card fee has also been hiked from Rs 3 to Rs 11. To make matters worse, an additional 18 per cent GST has been imposed on these services,” he added.

He termed the decision a direct assault on India’s communication rights and said it would hurt literacy promotion, educational institutions, and small businesses that depend on affordable postal services.

“The postal service is a fundamental channel of communication for the common people. Stopping the Registered Post service is not just a financial burden — it is economic exploitation of India’s poor,” the TNCC chief said.

Selvaperunthagai urged the Union government and the Postal Department to immediately withdraw the decision, restore the Registered Post service, and reduce the Speed Post charges. “On behalf of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, I strongly condemn this unjust decision that targets the poor and working classes,” he concluded.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I completely agree with the TN Congress chief. My brother is preparing for government exams and needs to send applications to different states. The cost difference between ₹45 and ₹85 might seem small to politicians, but for middle-class families, it adds up. This is truly anti-poor.
D
David E
While I understand the concerns about cost, maybe we should consider that India Post needs to modernize and become more efficient. If Speed Post provides better tracking and faster delivery in some cases, the price difference might be justified. But the transition should have been more gradual.
K
Kavya N
The acknowledgement card fee hike from ₹3 to ₹11 is outrageous! This is pure exploitation. Many rural students depend on postal services for scholarship applications and college admissions. The government is making education more expensive for the common people. 👎
A
Aman W
India Post earned ₹2300 crore profit last year - then why this sudden greed? The postal department is meant to serve the public, not maximize profits at the cost of common citizens. This decision needs to be rolled back immediately.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works with NGOs in rural Tamil Nadu, I've seen how crucial affordable postal services are for marginalized communities. This move will disproportionately affect those who can least afford it. The government should maintain both services and let people choose based on their needs and budget.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50