Ahmedabad: The Department of Posts, one of the oldest and most crucial departments in India, celebrated its 170th foundation day with a special function at the Ahmedabad General Post Office (GPO). Established on October 1, 1854, the Department has played a vital role in India’s socio-economic development, a journey that has seen the institution evolve significantly over the years. Krishna Kumar Yadav, Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region, served as the chief guest for the event.
To mark the occasion, a “Dak Chaupal” was organized to raise public awareness about various government schemes. During the event, Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav, MLA Dariyapur Kaushikbhai Jain, Director Postal Services Meeta K. Shah, Chief Postmaster Govind Sharma, and AGM IPPB Dr. Rajiv Awasthi distributed passbooks for savings bank accounts, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts, Mahila Samman Savings Certificates, Postal Life Insurance policies, and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) accounts to beneficiaries. A blood donation camp was also set up to encourage community participation. The event concluded with a celebratory cake-cutting and a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday to India Post.”
Addressing the gathering, Krishna Kumar Yadav highlighted the transformation of the Department of Posts, stating that its services extend far beyond letters and parcels. “The Department now plays a pivotal role in financial inclusion, Digital India, and Antyodaya,” he said. Post offices across the nation provide an array of citizen-centric services, including savings accounts, Postal Life Insurance, IPPB, Passport Services Centers, Aadhaar enrollment and updates, Common Service Centers, and Dakghar Niryat Kendras, which facilitate international exports. Yadav emphasized the evolution from “Dakiya Dak Laya” (The postman brings letters) to “Dakiya Bank Laya” (The postman brings banking services), reflecting the Department’s expanding role in serving the nation.
He further added that through Dakghar Niryat Kendras, products from the “One District One Product” (ODOP) initiative, Geographical Indications (GI), and MSMEs are reaching global markets, boosting the “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” movements.
MLA Dariyapur Kaushikbhai Jain noted the nostalgic connection that post offices have with every Indian household. He praised the changes in postal services under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, emphasizing how post offices now serve as banks even in remote areas.
Director Postal Services Meeta K. Shah highlighted the accessibility and efficiency of the postal network, which is increasingly serving as a conduit for e-commerce through cash-on-delivery services. She also underscored the role of the postal system in reaching both local and global markets.