PANAJI
Goa’s post offices have been directed to put basic customer-friendly facilities in place, including prominently displayed working hours, notice boards, ‘No Smoking’ signs and easily accessible complaint and suggestion books, following concerns over inadequate information and facilities for consumers.
In an order, the Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Goa Division, directed all Postmasters and officials in charge of post offices across the State to ensure strict compliance with the instructions and accord the matter priority.
The directive followed a September 3 representation by GOACAN Convener Roland Martins, who pointed out that the Tapal Bhavan Post Office could serve as an alternative for consumers unable to access services at the Panaji Head Post Office due to the rush at its counters.
Display timings
Martins suggested that a clearly visible board displaying business hours be installed outside the Tapal Bhavan Post Office so that consumers could know the timings without having to enter the premises.
He also sought a notice board carrying information and promotional material on postal services and initiatives, including My Stamp, Postal Week, letter-writing campaigns and Philately Bureau services.
Martins further called for prominent ‘No Smoking’ signage in accordance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
Taking the suggestions on record, the Goa Division has now directed all post offices to prominently display business or working hours at their entrances or outside their premises. The department has also ordered the maintenance of notice boards at prominent locations for departmental notices, public information and promotional material relating to postal services. Under the directive, ‘No Smoking’ signage prescribed under COTPA, 2003, must be prominently displayed across post office premises.
Complaints and feedback
Importantly, every post office has also been ordered to maintain a complaint and suggestion book at a prominent and easily accessible location.
Postmasters have also been asked to ensure that customers are adequately informed about the various postal services and facilities available to them.
