Is the Government Planning a Tech-Driven Audit at the Department of Posts to Prevent Revenue Leakages?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Technology-driven audits are being considered to prevent revenue leakages.
- Field audits will focus on high-transaction Post Offices.
- Integration of weighing machines with IT systems aims to reduce manual errors.
- Dynamic barcoding and prepaid alerts will enhance security.
- India Post plans to evolve into a technology-driven logistics provider.
New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) The government is exploring a technology-driven audit and an incentive-based framework aimed at addressing revenue leakages within the postal network under the Department of Posts, as stated by the Ministry of Communications on Friday.
In this effort, Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, has proposed targeted field audits for high-transaction Post Offices that handle over 10,000, 5,000, and 1,000 transactions per day, according to an official announcement.
Moreover, he mandated the integration of weighing devices with postal IT systems to reduce manual mistakes and prevent under-invoicing.
To enhance security, the minister has instructed the implementation of dynamic barcoding coupled with prepaid booking alerts to oversee irregular transactions and deter unauthorized entry of articles and parcels into the delivery network, the statement indicated.
These initiatives aim to fortify operational controls, modernize digital security frameworks, and cultivate a motivated workforce to ensure accountability for every rupee, the minister elaborated.
The Union MoS also assessed the Postal Savings Bank’s digital and financial security protocols, advocating for enhanced protections via biometric and OTP-based authentication for officials.
Furthermore, the minister directed expedited Aadhaar and mobile account seeding and broader adoption of digital passbooks to enhance transparency, minimize manual errors, and prevent fraudulent activities.
Earlier this month, the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), operating under the Department of Posts, entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to offer doorstep Digital Life Certificate (DLC) services for its pensioners.
Through this partnership, IPPB aims to utilize its extensive network of over 1.65 lakh post offices and more than 3 lakh postal service providers (postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks).
India Post is aiming to transform into a technology-driven logistics provider, targeting an 80 percent contribution from the private sector in business revenues, with a goal of achieving Rs 25,000 crore in parcel business revenue within the next five years.