Issues raised by MEA in respect of POPSKs functioning at Post Offices

Government of India

Ministry of Communications

Department of Posts

Business Development Directorate

Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg

New Delhi-110001

Dated: 19 March 2025

To:

All Heads of Circles (HoCs), Department of Posts (DoP)

Subject: Issues raised by MEA in respect of POPSKs-reg.

Reference:

MEA's concerns regarding operationalization of POPSKs.

• Previous Directorate letters: BDMD-59/1/2020-BDMD dated 12.12.2024 and BD-10PO/10/2023-BDMD-DOP dated 26.12.2024.
• MoU dated 05.12.2024.

Key Points:

MEA's Observations: Lack of essential services at POPSKs, including:

• Housekeeping, security guards, regular maintenance.
• Stable electricity, fire extinguishers.

DoP's Responsibilities as per MoU (Article 4):

• Provide minimum 500 sq. ft. space at Post Offices (where feasible).
• Ensure housekeeping in POPSK areas (waiting, service, toilet).
• Provide shared security for crowd control and CCTV installation.
• Supply electricity/wiring for POPSK server room (if existing panel is beyond 20 meters).
• Install minimum 2 fire extinguishers per POPSK.
• Maintain premises (whitewash, flooring repairs).

Action Required:

• Ensure compliance with MoU terms for seamless passport services.
• Submit compliance report to the Directorate urgently.

Approval:

Dr. Amahpreet Singh, AGM (BD).

Copy to:

Shri Asif Saeed, Under Secretary (PMU), MEA, New Delhi.