In keeping with the times, the Department of Posts too will soon use PoS
machines for cash transactions in select post offices across the State.
As of now, the Centre has sanctioned about 1,000 PoS machines to be
distributed for post offices across the country. Of this, nearly 120 PoS
machines for processing credit and debit cards payments will be
provided to post offices across the State during first phase.
Several counter transactions, including booking of registered parcels,
money orders and speed posts, are being carried out through cash. Last
year, post offices made nearly 12,000 instant money order transactions
in Tamil Nadu circle.
While States, including Gujarat and Kerala, are expected to begin using
PoS machines in mid-January, measures are being taken to deliver
equipment to other places. Officials of the postal department said that
initially four post offices — Anna Road head office and General Post
office, Rajaji Salai, Chennai and one each in Madurai and Tiruchi region
— would be provided with PoS machines as a pilot project.
Postal customers welcomed the move as it would ease the burden of carrying cash after the demonetisation scheme.
Many customers like R. Meenakshi, a resident of Thiruvanmiyur, said
booking parcels at post offices is often difficult as she has to pay
cash.
“I sometimes even spend Rs.8,000 to send parcels abroad. If post offices
can have swipe machines, I don’t have to wait at ATMs to withdraw
cash,” she said.
The department has partnered with State Bank of India for operation of
PoS machines. Customers who have postal saving banks accounts can also
recharge and use SBI buddy, a mobile wallet application soon.
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