The Modi government has revolutionised post offices, turning them into a pivotal tool for rural financial inclusion, particularly for women. Minister of State for Communications, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, highlighted these changes while addressing the Rajya Sabha, emphasising the government’s commitment to improving access to financial services and uplifting rural communities.

Women-Centric Financial Inclusion

The Minister revealed a remarkable increase in women’s financial participation through India Post Payments Bank (IPPB). Unlike national banks, where women account for just 20 per cent of accounts, more than 45 per cent of accounts in IPPB are held by women.

“Post offices have become a backbone for financial inclusion of rural communities, especially women,” Pemmasani said.

Technological Modernisation of Post Offices

To modernize and equip post offices, the government has invested Rs 5,700 crore in IT infrastructure. This includes 1.4 lakh mobile phones, 1.4 lakh thermal printers, and three lakh biometric devices.

These upgrades have empowered postal workers to function as mobile ATMs, delivering financial services directly to households.

Expansion of Post Offices in Rural India

Addressing queries about the closure of post offices, Pemmasani contrasted the current administration’s efforts with the previous UPA government.

  • Under the UPA, 700 post offices were shut down over 10 years.
  • Since 2014, the Modi government has added 10,500 new post offices, bringing the total to 1.65 lakh, 90.1 per cent of which are in rural and remote areas.

The government’s goal is to ensure a post office is accessible within 3 kilometres of every village, with no closures under the current regime.

Supporting Rural Entrepreneurs through Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras

The Modi government has also leveraged post offices to bolster rural entrepreneurship, particularly among women. The establishment of Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) has facilitated the export of innovative rural products globally.

  • 1,000 DNKs have been set up, surpassing the original goal of one DNK per district (790 districts).
  • DNKs have managed 2.2 lakh shipments worth Rs 54 crores, enabling self-help groups to reach international markets.

“No one other than PM Modi envisioned the role of post offices in exports. This initiative is providing continuous hand-holding support to rural women and enhancing their livelihoods,” said Pemmasani.

The transformation of post offices underscores the government’s commitment to inclusivity. As Pemmasani noted, “Not everything that the government provides should be considered a business. There is a moral, social responsibility to make our services achievable and affordable for everybody.”

By integrating technology, expanding access, and fostering rural entrepreneurship, post offices have become a cornerstone of rural India’s development, showcasing the government’s vision for empowering communities and bridging the urban-rural divide.