Post Office Bill repeals 1898 Act, sets 30-day rule for regulations

This Bill replaces the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, to create a modern legal framework for the Department of Posts. It aims to allow the Post Office to provide a wider range of citizen-centric services beyond just mail delivery.

The Department of Posts (Post Office), the Director General of Postal Services, the Central Government, and any person who uses services provided by the Post Office.

• The Post Office must provide services as prescribed by the Central Government.
• The Director General can make regulations to fix charges and terms for services.
• The Post Office has the exclusive privilege of issuing postage stamps (physical or digital) and postal stationery.
• The Central Government can prescribe standards for addressing, address identifiers, and postcodes.
• Charges for services are recoverable as if they were arrears of land revenue if a person refuses or neglects to pay.
• The Central Government can empower officers to intercept, open, or detain items for state security, public order, or legal contraventions.
• The Post Office and its officers are exempt from liability for loss, delay, or mis-delivery unless the officer acted fraudulently or wilfully caused the issue.
• The Central Government can make rules and the Director General can make regulations (with prior approval) to carry out the Act's provisions.

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