Serious issue of mis-printed MICR codes on Postmaster’s Cheque Books leading to dishonour of cheques

All India Association of Supervisor Cadre (Gr. B) Central Head Quarter

No. AIASC CHQ-192/2026 Dated at Pathankot SO, 11.04.2026

To The Hon’ble Secretary (Posts) Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg New Delhi-110001

Sub: - Serious issue of mis-printed MICR codes on Postmaster’s Cheque Books leading to dishonour of cheques – reg.

After implementation of IT 2.0 APT, DDOs (Head Postmasters) or Sub Postmasters of MDG/Big SOs issue Postmaster’s Cheques. Numerous instances have been reported where the MICR code printed does not match the MICR code of the concerned bank account.

To manage this, rubber stamps of the correct MICR code were used temporarily, but from 01.04.2026, the CTS Grid system no longer permits alteration or manual correction of MICR codes, resulting in dishonoured cheques.

Issues faced:

Customers facing non-clearance of cheques, leading to dissatisfaction and erosion of trust in postal financial services.

Large number of complaints being received at Post Offices, putting pressure on field functionaries.

Head Postmasters (DDOs) and Sub Postmasters of Big Sub Offices/Mukhya Dak Ghars facing serious operational challenges in handling grievances.

(iv) In many cases, they are compelled to settle payments through NEFT transactions from their bank accounts, causing additional workload and procedural inconvenience.

This issue has now become a matter of serious concern and a major operational headache for field staff, particularly for Head Postmasters (DDOs) and Sub Postmasters, while the gravity of the problem may not yet have been fully appreciated at higher administrative levels.

In view of the above, it is most humbly requested that: - (i) Immediate intervention may kindly be made to address this critical issue on priority. (ii) Necessary directions may be issued to the concerned authority responsible for printing of Postmaster’s Cheque Books to ensure that correct MICR codes, exactly matching the respective bank accounts, are printed on all cheque books. (iii) A pre-dispatch verification mechanism may be introduced to eliminate such discrepancies in future. (iv) Suitable interim guidelines may be issued to handle already issued cheque books and pending transactions to prevent further dishonour of cheques.

Timely resolution of this issue is essential to safeguard customer confidence, maintain financial credibility, and ensure smooth functioning of postal operations. The Association sincerely hopes that this matter will receive your kind and urgent consideration.

With profound regards,

(Signature) GENERAL SECRETARY AIASC (Gr. B)

Copy to:

1. The Hon’ble D.G. Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.
2. The Member (O), Dak Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.
3. The DDG (Finance/PAA), Dak Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.

Camp at: Sub Postmaster (HSG-I), Pathankot MDG, Punjab, PIN-145001 Website - www.aiascchq.blogspot.in Email: aiascchq@gmail.com