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Summary of Administrative Orders for Post Office Regulations, 2024

• The Post Office Act, 2023, effective from June 18, 2024, replaces the IPO Act, 1895.
• New regulations include Direct Post, Media Post, e-Post, e-Payment, Retail Post, Magazine Post, and Citizen-Centric Services.
• Direct Post allows unaddressed advertisements; Media Post facilitates advertising for government and corporate clients.
• e-Post offers digital messaging services; e-Payment enables bill collection.
• Retail Post sells third-party products; Magazine Post ensures efficient magazine delivery.
• Citizen-Centric Services improve access to government services through post offices.

The accepted payment forms for bills are:

1. Cash
2. Crossed account payee cheque/draft in the name of the postmaster
3. Through IPIB (Internet Payment Interface for Bills)

Partial payments via cash, cheque, demand draft, and through IPIB in a single transaction are also permitted.

The minimum quantity required for placing orders under Media Post is as follows:

• Post Card: 5 Lakh
• Envelopes: 10 Lakh
• Inland Letter Card: 10 Lakh
• Savings Bank Passbooks: 1 Lakh
• Posters/Banners/Hoardings: 10,000
• Letter Boxes: 100 in any area/town
• MPCM Receipts: 50 Lakh

The responsibilities of the client regarding GST and applicable taxes are:

1. The Organization/Client must credit the amount of GST and any applicable taxes to the relevant authorities as per prevailing tax laws.
2. The client is responsible for remitting the applicable GST on the commission/service charges of the Department.
3. In case of delayed payment, the client shall be liable to pay a penalty of 12% per annum on the outstanding amount.

The delivery method for Direct Post articles is as follows:

1. Articles are delivered as unaccountable articles, meaning there is no tracking or accountability for individual deliveries.
2. The sender can specify the delivery areas and the number of articles for each area, but there is no commitment for delivery to specific addresses or individuals.
3. A delivery report will be provided to the customer upon completion of the delivery process.

The sub-rules required for Direct Post services include:

1. Registration Process: Clients must submit a detailed proposal and provide specific business address details to the relevant postal office.
2. Compliance: Clients must adhere to the Indian Post Office Act and any additional guidelines set forth by the Department.
3. Delivery Specifications: Direct Post articles must comply with size, weight, and content regulations as specified by the postal authority.
4. Payment Terms: Clients must ensure timely payment of applicable fees and taxes associated with the Direct Post service.
5. Termination Rights: The Department reserves the right to terminate services if the client engages in unlawful activities or violates guidelines.

The process for issuing a work order for advertisement services is as follows:

1. Issuance: Government Organizations, Corporations, or Customers must issue a work order in favor of the Department of Posts.
2. Proposal Submission: A formal proposal must be submitted detailing the advertisement's duration, selected mediums, and specific locations.
3. Approval and Agreement: Upon approval, the Department will provide a Media Plan, and a formal agreement may be entered into if necessary.

The process for registering as a contractual customer for Magazine Post service includes:

1. Application Submission: The Proprietor, Manager, or Publisher must submit an application in the prescribed format (Annexure 'E') along with required documents, including two copies of the latest magazine issue and a compliance certificate.
2. Approval: Upon review, the application will be approved, and a registration number and customer ID will be provided.
3. Renewal: Registration remains valid until December 31 of the third calendar year following registration, with renewal applications required at least one month before expiration.

The process for registering for Direct Post services includes:

1. Application Submission: Customers must complete and submit Part I of Annexure ‘A’ in duplicate at designated Post Offices.
2. Charges Calculation: Postal staff will calculate the charges based on the submitted information and complete Part II of Annexure ‘A’.
3. Payment and Acknowledgment: Customers must remit full payment in advance, after which an invoice will be issued, and a copy of Annexure ‘A’ will be returned to the customer.