Govt notifies Post Office Act 2023; New Law to Modernise Postal Services

The Indian government has passed the Post Office Act of 2023, which intends to update the country’s legislative framework for postal services and stamp duties.

The new law, which went into effect today, intends to simplify the delivery of citizen-centric services and extend government benefits to the country’s most remote areas, thereby improving the ease of living.

“The Post Office Bill, 2023” was introduced in Rajya Sabha on 10.08.2023 and was passed in Rajya Sabha on 04.12.2023. The Bill was then considered and passed by Lok Sabha on 13.12.2023 and 18.12.2023

The Hon’ble President of India signed “The Post Office Act, 2023” on December 24, 2023, and it was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 1, dated December 24, 2023, by the Ministry of Law and Justice (Legislative Department) for general information purpose.

The Ministry of Communications stated, “The Act aims to establish a simple legislative framework for providing citizen-centric services, banking services, and government scheme benefits at the last mile. The Act eliminates provisions such as the exclusive privilege of collecting, processing, and delivering letters in order to improve business and living conditions.”

The Act includes no provision for penalties. This provides a foundation for setting standards for item addressing, address identifiers, and postcode usage.

“The Post Office Act, 2023” comes into force w.e.f. 18th June, 2024 and repeals the Indian Post Office Act, 1898.