The Department of Posts and Telegraph (P & T) has introduced a number of steps to facilitate better customer services in Mumbai. Recently, the department had introduced weekly meetings as a forum where customer complaints could be addressed.

Chief Postmaster General of Maharashtra Circle, D S Balchandra, told mumbaibest.com that open sessions would be conducted for customers, to get thorough feedback on the performance and functioning of the post offices.

``Training programmes are planned to create a class of `cutting edge' postal employees. The majority of the complaints in the recent past centred around the attitude and behaviour of the employees rather than on delayed delivery of mail. The department is planning to introduce specialised squads to carry out surprise visits at post offices, and to monitor the functioning of the post offices. Emphasis will be placed on introducing modern technology, expanding operations and the set up and overall performance of the department ,'' said Balchandra.

As part of the `National Postal Week' celebrations, organised by the department between October 9, 2000 and October 14, 2000, the P & T department hopes to create awareness among the public about the department. It also hopes to make post offices more responsive to the demands of the public. The main objective of the celebrations is also to motivate the employees by giving them recognition and rewarding excellence in public service.The celebrations are designed to impart training in business development, bank savings, philatelic and mail operation.

Balchandra announced the launch of a new premium product : greeting cards, which are cards with covers already embossed with a postage stamp identical to the card. This facility would be available in a couple of days. Depending on the size, the card will be accordingly priced at Rs 12 and Rs 15.

The P & T Department is trying to become more public friendly as it looks ahead to the 21st century.

Author : Mani D'Mello