Chennai: As many as 2,12,836 passports have been processed and issued through Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in Tamilnadu Circle since the introduction of the scheme March 2017, said Chief Post Master General M Sampath.
Speaking on the sidelines of Tamilnadu Postal Circle excellence award function held here Wednesday, he said as per the order of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, people should not go beyond 50 kms to avail the passport services.
“Between March 2017 and March 2019, we have issued 2,12,836 passports via 29 POPSK in the State. POPSK was opened in a phased manner, not in one go. We have planned to open POPSK in Ramanathapuram and the process is going on,” Sampath said.
“We are the third highest revenue producing circle in India. In 2018-19 period with 16.42 per cent growth, we earned a revenue of Rs 1244.64 crore besides the premium collection of Rs 1,153.32 crore in insurances. We are also pioneer in technology induction and provided mobile devices for postmen for delivery services and we have computerised every unit in Tamilnadu,” the Chief Post Master General said.
Tamilnadu Postal Circle excellence awards were awarded to performing divisions (postal) and units. In total, 65 awards were given to divisions and individuals for their outstanding performance in eight categories.
Principal Commissioner Customs M Ajit Kumar, who was the chief guest spoke about the achievements and how the post office has diversified its field. The post office is the only department who reach to nook and corner of the country, he added.
He later presented certificates of merit and trophies to the recipients. Salem, Vellore, and Cuddalore districts topped the highest transactions in POPSK, where 49,964 passports were issued in total last year.
Various awards like the opening of more number of savings account, top performing divisions in business development, Aadhar related services, divisions who got highest number of Postal Life Insurance (PLI) premiums and also Rural PLI premiums were honoured.
Awards were also given to divisions who got highest revenues in international mails and speed posts, Swachh Bharath initiatives by divisions, revenue excellence awards and all-round performance awards were given to divisions.
Winners of Dhai Akhar letter-writing competition, pencil drawing competition in connection with 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi and communal harmony stamp design competition were also honoured. Sampath introduced the pencil art on Gandhi and special pack on legendary singers.