Directorate Instructions on Prevention of Unscrupulous Activities

F. No. 39-03/2023-D Government of India

Ministry of Communications Department of Posts

Mail Operations Division

Dak Bhawan, New Delhi-110001 

Dated: 20th September, 2024

To
All Heads of Circles/Regions

Subject: Compliance with Orders of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission SCDRC Mizoram - Instructions on Prevention of Unscrupulous Activities

Ref: FA/5/2022

In compliance with the directions issued by the Hon'ble State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC), Mizoram, vide its orders dated 24.04.2024 in FA (Misc)/3/2024 and FA/5/2022 (copy enclosed), serious concerns have been raised about incidents involving the tampering of postal articles while in transit. The Hon'ble Commission has observed that such occurrences are the result of unlawful actions by unscrupulous employees handling postal articles during the transmission process.

2 It has been noted that although the Department of Posts has well- established rules, regulations, and guidelines for handling postal articles during transmission, there is a need to re-emphasize strict adherence to these protocols. The department has also been issuing detailed guidelines from time to time, aimed at safeguarding the integrity of articles during processing and transmission.

3 In view of the Hon'ble Commission's observations, all Postal Circles are hereby instructed to ensure strict compliance with the following:

3.1 Adherence to Rules and Guidelines: All supervisors and staff involved in handling activities viz. booking, sorting, transmission & delivery of postal articles must strictly follow the existing rules, regulations, and guidelines as laid down by the Directorate and issued periodically.

3.2

Preventive Measures: Circles should review internal procedures to detect and prevent any possibility of tampering, loss, or mishandling of postal articles. Regular inspections/checks should be conducted at all critical points, including Sorting hubs, Transit Mail offices, and Delivery Post offices/ Nodal Delivery Centres by the Sr. officers during their visits.

3.3 Disciplinary Action: Any official found violating the rules or engaging in unlawful activities, leading to the tampering/abstractions or loss of postal articles, will be subject to stringent disciplinary action under the applicable service rules.

Source: CEPT