When patience was a virtue: India Post to merge registered post into speed post from Sept 1

The merger was announced through a Department of Posts circular dated July 2, which aims to streamline operations by consolidating similar services under a unified framework. The Registered Post service will be merged with the Speed Post service, with effect from September 1, with registration being an add-on feature. The rationale mentioned is to enhance operational efficiency.

However, the integration raises concerns. For legal professionals like Purvi Jadhav, a Pune-based advocate, “In legal matters, those personally signed acknowledgement receipts stand as proof in court proceedings,” she said. “When you send legal documents or summons using registered post with AD, that physical receipt becomes evidence that the receiver has accepted or denied the order. The accountability was crystal clear.”

“The registered post was easily accessible, for example, a farmer sending documents from a remote village or a corporate executive in a metropolitan office. Its affordability made it more preferred,” Jadhav said.

Jadhav also raised concerns about the digital transition’s impact on vulnerable populations. “Experiencing a rise in cyber frauds, online receipts can be forged, and it’s difficult to identify fake ones. Rural areas, uneducated people, and tech-illiterate senior citizens will find it challenging to adapt to speed post’s online interface,” she added.

Though slower, registered post was seen as a preferred choice because of its security. It used to be delivered only to the person at the mentioned address, while speed post, a faster option, has a feature where anyone present at the mentioned address could receive it.

“In an era of instant messaging and digital communication, registered post represented patience and anticipation. Waiting for that acknowledgement card was like waiting for confirmation that your words and important documents had safely crossed miles, a ritual that connected sender and receiver through shared hope and trust,” added Jogalekar.

According to the circular, all departments and affiliated users must shift operations by September 1, with operational training, updated guidelines, and system overhauls to be completed.

An official from Pune’s General Post Office (GPO) said, “It is a policy-level decision for which the software overhaul and its training are in process. The merger is done for streamlining services into speed post by providing an online option to track their consignment, one can launch complaints online, and even the proof of delivery can be fetched through the website, and its printout can be used in courts.”

“The acknowledgement feature can be availed through speed post at Rs 10, which was Rs 3 earlier. And till September 1, the registered post service will stay in operation,” he added.