Cash Management in Branch Post Offices

The Postal Manual Vol V, Rule 217, outlines the guidelines for cash management at Branch Offices. According to Note 2, the discretion to allow extra time for the Branch Postmaster (BPM) to fetch shortage amounts from their residence should be exercised judiciously and only when necessary.

In general, if the Branch Office is located within the BPM's residence, they are expected to have immediate access to cash and stamp balances. Conversely, if the office is not located in the BPM's residence, they are still required to bring the entire office cash and stamp balances to the office during opening hours.

However, an exception can be made if the cash chest is embedded in the BPM's house and large sums of money are kept there for security reasons. In such cases, the inspecting authority may permit the BPM to retrieve the funds from their residence.