Agreement signed between India Post and US Postal Service for Electronic Exchange of Data

October 27, 2020

On October 27, 2020, India Post and US Postal Service signed agreement for electronic exchange of data related to postal shipments.

Highlights

Based on the agreement, the respective bodies will transmit and receive electronic data of international postal items before their arrival. This will help the customs to clear the postal items well in advance, that even before the shipment reaches the port. Also, it will improve the performance of postal services.

Significance

In 2019, around 30% of small packets and letters transmitted by India Post were to USA. Also, 20% of outbound EMS was to US. Around 60% parcels received originated from the USA. All these data are in relation to India Post, that is, sent and received by India Post. According to Ministry of Communications, the main objective of the agreement is to facilitate ease of exports through postal channels.

India Post during the pandemic

During the COVID—19 pandemic, India Post took several measures to deliver essentials on time. With more than 56,000 post offices, India Post delivered medicines at door steps. Also, it provided financial assistance at door step. India Post also distributed food and ration to achieve targets of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. During COVID-19, India Post delivered more than 2,000 tones of medical equipment and medicines to hospitals and individuals.

Also, Rs 500 crores were disbursed to more than 85 lakh beneficiaries through Aadhaar Enabled Payment System of the India Post Payments Bank.

India Post also distributed 6 lakh food and ration packets. Also GoI disbursed more than Rs 1,100 crores of rupees through India Post Payment Banks.