The central government has enacted the Post Office Act, 2023, effective June 18, replacing the Indian Post Office Act, 1898. This new legislation aims to promote ‘maximum governance and minimum government’ without including any penal provisions.
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NEW DELHI: The central government has officially issued a notification bringing the provisions of the new postal law, known as the Post Office Act, 2023, into effect starting June 18. This significant development marks the end of the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, as the new legislation takes precedence.
According to a Ministry of Communications release, “The Post Office Act, 2023,” via a notification dated June 17, 2024, has come into force with effect from June 18, 2024, and repeals the Indian Post Office Act, 1898.”
The journey of the “The Post Office Bill, 2023” began when it was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on August 10, 2023. The bill saw its first victory when it was passed in the Rajya Sabha on December 4, 2023. Subsequently, the bill was taken up by the Lok Sabha, where it was considered and passed on December 12 and 18, 2023.
The Act received the formal assent of the President of India on December 24, 2023. Following this, it was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 1, dated December 24, 2023, by the Ministry of Law & Justice (Legislative Department) for general information.
This new legislation aims to create a streamlined legislative framework designed to enhance the delivery of citizen-centric services and ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the last mile. One of the notable changes brought about by this Act is the discontinuation of the Post Office’s exclusive privilege of collecting, processing, and delivering letters.
The Ministry of Communications emphasized that in alignment with the principle of “maximum governance and minimum government,” the Post Office Act, 2023, prescribes no penal provisions.
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The Ministry stated-
“To promote ‘maximum governance and minimum government,’ the Post Office Act, 2023, which takes effect today, includes no penal provisions.”
The newly enacted postal law also provides a framework for setting standards related to the addressing of items, address identifiers, and the use of postcodes. The absence of penal provisions aims to simplify the regulatory environment while ensuring that postal services maintain high standards.
By implementing the Post Office Act, 2023, the central government seeks to modernize India’s postal system, making it more efficient and accessible to the public. This reform is a crucial step towards enhancing the ease of living for citizens, ensuring that essential services are delivered more effectively and inclusively.
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