Postmen who brought the mail will now bring banking to your doorstep. In the digital era, with technological innovations on the rise, the role of postal workers is also changing.
The much-awaited Chennai branch of the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), was launched here on Saturday. Pointing out that technology cannot replace human interface, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the IPPB aimed at providing last-mile connectivity in rural areas and promoting hassle-free digital transactions. Customers need not memorise the account number of their zero-balance savings account. Their fingerprint is sufficient to operate Quick Response cards.
She also elaborated on the Centre’s measures to simplify banking services, especially for the rural population. Ms. Sitharaman also gave away QR cards to the customers and released a special cover to commemorate the occasion.
IPPB will have 37 branches in the State and nearly 185 post offices will be linked to the branches, working as access points for customers. All 11,745 post offices would double up as IPPB by the year-end.
Lauding the scheme that would benefit the downtrodden, State Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar said the Department of Posts must formulate a scheme to disburse money under the Tamil Nadu Savings-cum-Relief Scheme. Nearly ₹170 crore worth transactions were done every year under the scheme. Similarly, a group insurance scheme for fishermen should also be formulated, he said.
Scheduling payment
The nationwide inauguration of the IPPB by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, was also screened at the event. M. Sampath, Chief Postmaster General, Tamil Nadu Circle, said customers could even schedule payment at their doorstep, by giving a missed call to customer care and the postmen would then collect and transfer cash. Customers who also maintain postal savings account, would have the option to swap money, when the balance crossed ₹1 lakh.
Nearly 40,000 savings accounts have been opened so far since August 20, in the Tamil Nadu Circle. Street plays were used as one of the means to create awareness about IPPB and its services. Postmaster General, Chennai City Region, R. Anand, also spoke at the event.