Post Office Bill 2023 to be introduced during Special Session of Parliament: Check key points

The ongoing special session of Parliament, which commenced on Monday, September 18, marks a significant milestone in its 75-year journey. Scheduled until September 22, this session not only commemorates history but also addresses crucial legislative matters.

Eight bills, including the women's reservation Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha on the first day following PM Narendra Modi's appeal for unanimous support, are up for consideration. Other important legislations on the agenda encompass the Advocates Amendment Bill, Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, Post Office Bill, and the Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners (appointment, service conditions, and tenure).

The Post Office Bill 2023, which was earlier introduced in Rajya Sabha on August 10 in the Monsoon Session, will replace the age-old Indian Post Office Act, 1898 when passed. The proposed changes come in response to the evolving role of post offices in contemporary society, where they now serve as hubs for various citizen-centric services. Key provisions of the New Post Office Bill 2023 include;-

The bill empowers the Director General of Postal Services to formulate essential regulations related to services and determine postal charges based on market dynamics, eliminating the need for parliamentary approval.

Postal officers are mandated to report suspicious parcels, unpaid duties or illegal contents to the Customs Department for necessary legal action.

In cases where a parcel poses a potential threat to national security, postal officers are authorised to open, detain or confiscate the parcel, ensuring swift action in safeguarding the nation.

The bill limits the scope for filing cases against postal officers in case of lost or damaged parcels, emphasising accountability only in cases of fraud or deliberate harm.

The Post Office Bill grants the Post Office the privilege to issue postage stamps and outlines regulations related to the supply and sale of postal stamps and stationery.

The legislation promotes modernisation by envisioning the future of mail and parcel delivery, including the possibility of experimenting with drone deliveries, a practice already implemented in several countries.

However, one notable point of contention surrounds the government's heightened control under this bill. The provisions permitting parcel interception and opening by couriers could potentially infringe on privacy rights, though proponents assert that it's a necessary step to combat the movement of contraband goods.

Additionally, concerns can be raised over a specific provision that curtails the ability to file cases against postal officers in cases of lost or damaged parcels. This reduction in accountability could potentially grant the postal officers undue authority and create opportunities for misuse, leaving parcel owners with limited recourse for their lost or damaged items.