India Post Franchise Scheme: Providing Increased Access to Postal Services in Urban and Rural Areas

India Post, with the largest postal network globally, continues to strive to meet the growing demand for postal services across the country. Despite having about 1.56 lakh post offices, there is a consistent need for additional facilities. To address this, the Department of Posts has introduced a Franchise Scheme to extend postal services effectively.

Types of Franchises

1. Franchise Outlets: These outlets provide counter services in areas with high demand for postal services where opening a full-fledged post office is not feasible.
2. Postal Agents: These agents sell postal stamps and stationery in both urban and rural areas.

Basic Features of the Franchise Outlet Scheme

• Counter Services Only: Delivery and transmission remain the Department's responsibility.
• Flexible Working Hours: Franchisees must provide counter services for a minimum defined schedule but can operate round the clock.
• Products and Services Offered:
  • Sale of stamps and stationery
  • Booking registered articles and speed post articles
  • Money orders (minimum value of Rs. 100)
  • Direct agent for Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and related services
  • Marketing products under corporate agency agreements
  • Retail services including sale of revenue stamps and CRF stamps
  • E-governance and citizen-centric services
  • Any other future services introduced by the Department

Implementation Strategy

• Review and Continuation: The franchise's performance is reviewed six months after opening and then again at the one-year mark to decide on continuation.
• Viability Assessment: Field units assess each franchise's viability to ensure adequate returns.

Selection Criteria for Franchise Outlets

• Eligibility: Individuals, institutions, and organizations such as corner shops, paanwalas, kiranawalas, etc.
• Exclusions: Family members of serving postal employees within the same division.
• Age and Education: Applicants must be above 18 years and at least 8th class pass.
• Premises: Properly maintained and accessible premises with approved signage.
• Investment: Applicants must be willing to make necessary investments.
• Security Deposit: Minimum Rs. 5,000 in the form of NSC, increased based on average daily revenue.

Remuneration to Franchisees

Franchisees earn commission on services provided as outlined in the Schedule of the Memorandum of Agreement.

Monitoring and Training

• Regular Monitoring: Monthly inspections by inspectors and potential electronic monitoring.
• Training: Induction training covering objectives, products, services, procedures, upkeep of premises, and customer care.

Postal Agents Scheme

• Counter Services: Sale of postal stamps and stationery.
• Selection Criteria: Similar to franchise outlets but without the need for a Memorandum of Agreement or security deposit.
• License: Issued initially for one year and renewable every three years based on performance.

Branding and Publicity

Standard signage for uniform appearance and proper advertisement and publicity of the scheme by the concerned Divisional Head.