Transformative role of Postal Workers in focus ahead of National Postal Workers Day on July 1

Originally initiated in Seattle, Washington, in 1997, National Postal Workers Day honors the dedication and service of postal employees. Over time, this observance has spread worldwide, including to India.

Postmaster General Yadav noted significant changes in the responsibilities of postal workers. Historically known for delivering letters and money orders, today's postmen are pivotal in providing a wide range of essential services.

"The concept of National Postal Worker Day came from America, where this special day was started in the year 1997 in the city of Seattle in Washington state in honor of the employees. Gradually it started being celebrated in other countries including India. This day is celebrated all over the world in honour of the service rendered by postal workers," Yadav said.

Alongside traditional mail, they now deliver critical documents such as Aadhar cards, passports, PAN cards, voter IDs, driving licenses, bank checkbooks, and ATMs. Additionally, they bring Prasad from temples, medicines, and Rakhis during the Rakshabandhan festival right to the recipients' doorsteps.

"Postman brought the bank is also equally important now. Along, with letters and parcels, in the modern era, postmen deliver important things related to people lives from door to door. Along with important documents like Aadhar card, passport, PAN card, voter ID, driving license, bank check book, ATM, prasad from various temples, medicines and rakhis on Rakshabandhan festival are also being delivered by postmen," Yadav said.

In a bid to support the e-commerce sector, the Postal Department has introduced several innovative initiatives. These include the Cash on Delivery service, the Nanyatha mobile app for regular mail collection, and the use of Android-based smartphones for delivery and financial services.

"Cash on delivery to promote e-commerce, Nanyatha mobile app for regular collection of mail from letter boxes and Android based smart phone based delivery and financial services provided by postmen are all innovative initiatives of the Postal Department," Yadav said.

Yadav further said, "Most vocal face of the Postal Department is the postman. identity of the postman has been that of distributing letters and money orders, but now postman also has a smart phone in his hand and a digital device in his bag. Under the economic and social inclusion through India Post Payments Bank, postmen are playing a new role as mobile ATMs and providing facilities ranging from Jan Suraksha Yojana to Aadhaar, DBT, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, e-Shram Card, Vehicle Insurance, Digital Life Certificate."

"Under IPPB, postmen are going door to door and making Aadhaar cards for children up to 5 years of age and updating mobile numbers in Aadhaar cards. Even today, postmen are providing postal services to remote areas regardless of winter, summer or rain," he added. (ANI)