India Post ATMs to dot Thiruvananthapuram landscape.

A model of the Automated Teller Machine centre to be opened by the Postal Department.

Automated teller machines (ATMs) are no longer the monopoly of the banking sector. A year ago, the Postal Department too introduced the machine to its customers as part of a modernisation programme. The district will shortly join a select group of places in the country to house ATMs of the department.

In the initial phase, ATMs will be installed at the GPO in the city and sub post offices at Poojappura, Neyyattinkara, and Attingal. The facility will be provided in some other post offices in the city and also at Kottarakara, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Kannur later. Work had commenced to set up the machines at the GPO and Neyyattinkara, Assistant Postmaster General, Kerala Circle, K.V Vijayakumar told The Hindu. The machine would become functional within a month, he added

Initially the facility would benefit 11.77 lakh postal savings account holders in the city and after the ongoing Core Bank Solution process initiated by the department gets integrated with other banks, it would become interoperable giving access to bank account holders too.

The core banking facility enables customers to operate their accounts and avail themselves of account-elated services from any of the networked post offices. It would also provide postal saving account holders online banking and mobile banking facilities, Officer on Special Duty, Kerala Circle, Ravindranath, said.

The department’s scheme of transferring money instantly through mobile phone, he said, was getting good patronage with nearly 200 people using the facility monthly. “When we launched the scheme a year ago, there were not many takers. In the first three months, the number of people opted to use the facility was below 10. Now, we were able to carryout more than 200 transactions every month,” Mr. Vijayakumar said.

courtesy: thehindu.com

MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY(POSTS) TO STAFF AND OFFICERS OF DEPARTMENT.

Dear colleagues,

It gives me immense pleasure to update you about the ambitious IT Modernization project of the Department of Posts. As you know, with this project we have embarked upon a transformational journey. I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank each one of you for your dedication and hard work to bring about this historic transformation.

At this point in time, we have already networked close to 23,000 locations, making our the largest WAN in the country. Implementation of our Core Banking System and PLI solutions have attained a critical mass, which will enable us to undertake performance testing & certification before further roll outs. Core SI solutions relating to Mail Operations, Human Resources and F&A are in the UAT stage; and we are nearing identification of a vendor for the Rural Hardware program to support the modernization of our rural post offices.

Implementation of the CBS and Core-PLI solutions has been gradual by design so that we can pinpoint errors/ defects in the solutions and address them appropriately, before graduating to an exponential roll-out phase. As expected, officers and staff are facing some challenges during the initial implementation phase. While we continue to strengthen the solutions based on these valuable experiences, the extra mile that you all have traversed in order to manage these challenges is commendable.

As the implementation gathers steam, I would request each one of you to keep up the energy & commitment you have demonstrated so far. We will make sure that the required technical and administrative support for success is made available.

The primary objective of the IT modernization project has been to enhance customer, satisfaction through better service delivery. The project will enhance the Post Offices capabilities, and enable it to deliver more efficient services, and more add-on services & products. Hon’ble Prime Minister of India has also urged the Department to fast-track the IT-modernization project and improve the quality of service. Thus, being sensitive and responsive to the customer is the need of the hour.

You will agree that it is a matter of great pride for each one of us to be associated with this huge transformational project. We must now work hand in hand to make this historical transformation happen quickly.

Together we can, and we will do it!!

Kavery Banerjee
Secretary (Posts)

Reasons for non transmission of COD Delivered amount from Delivery Office to the Payment Office .

1) Submit Account not done in Postman module:  In Postman module, the Supervisor has to perform Submit Account for each Postman beat.  This process will cross check as to whether the amount of all COD articles delivered by that beat postman has been credited to the Treasurer or not.  COD delivered data in r/o the beats for which submit account has been done, will be transmitted to ePayment server for further transmission to Payment office.  It is further to state that Postman module will not allow to perform day end without completing the Submit Account of all the beats.

Solution:  The case has to be reported to CEPT for providing suitable solution.

2) BO Verification not done in Postman module:  In Postman module, Supervisor has to perform verification of the amount in r/o all the COD articles delivered by the Branch Post Offices attached to the HO/SO.  This is similar to the Submit Account for the local delivered articles.   The BO Verification process will cross check as to whether the amount of all COD articles delivered by each Branch Post Office has been credited to the Accounts w.r.t. the SO Summary in Sub Accounts module.  COD delivered data in r/o the Branch Post offices for which verification has been done, will be transmitted to ePayment server for further transmission to Payment office.  It is further to state that Postman module will not allow to perform day end, if BO Verification is pending against any particular Branch Post Office.

Solution:  BO Verification can be done at any later date also by the Postman Supervisor, by selecting the concerned Account Date i.e., BO Summary Date.

3) Office became inactive in ePayment:   The delivery office might have become inactive in ePayment server.  This may be due to the change of the ePayment communication machine  by the Post Office, for one reason or the other.  The ePayment server will take the data being communicated by the registered communication machine only.  If the earlier registered ePayment communication machine is changed by the Post Office, then the COD articles delivered by that Post Offices will not be taken as authenticated by the ePayment Server.   

Solution: The Divisional System Administrator has to re-register the office in ePayment website using the same machine which has transmitted the COD data.   Then the ePayment server will re-process the data earlier received by it again.

4) Configuration in Treasury module at Payment Post Office:   If the payment office is newly identified for making payment to any COD payments, then configuration of PoS server name and Service Tax details is to be done in Treasury module at Payment office.   Further, the work distribution to the treasurer for making COD payment is to be done. In some cases, it is observed that these configurations are not done resulting issue of non availability of Payment data in Treasury module for the COD billers.

Solution:  The configuration as mentioned above has to be done in Treasury module of the Payment Office.

5) Last Call status in ePayment:  Many offices are not running the ePayment Communication application on daily basis, without which the data will not get transmitted to ePayment server, even though entire delivery process is completed as per the procedure.  An MIS report viz.,”Offices Not Called” is available in the ePayment Website which shows the list of Post Offices which have not run the ePayment communication since last 24 hours.   The ePayment Communication application can be either scheduled OR run manually.

Solution: The ePayment Communication application need to be scheduled atleast twice a day.   The above mentioned MIS report is available division wise.  The Divisional heads have to ensure that all the ePayment offices in their division are running the ePayment Communication application on daily basis.

Former Chief PMG Smt. Shoba Koshy bags award instituted by the State Government.

Our former Chief PMG, Kerala Madam Shoba Koshy has bagged the Rani Laxmibai award for
excellence in public administration instituted by the Government of Kerala. The award carries a
cash prize of Rs 3 Lakhs. Press cutting as appeared in the prominent malayalam daily is furnished
below . Hearty Congrats to our dear Shoba Mam...

CORE BANKING SOLUTION ( FAQ For MPKBY AGENTS)

                                      CORE BANKING SOLUTION

                                                               (MPKBY AGENTS)

Core Banking Solution (CBS) is a network of post offices, which enables customers to operate their accounts and avail account related services from any post office. It replaces the existing sanchay post. The difference between sanchay and CBS is very simple. Sanchay Post is a LAN (Local Area Network) based application. CBS on the other hand is a centralized application with internet base.

          MPKBY agents canvas customers and procure RD business. At present agents are preparing bulk lists either manually or through RD Customer package provided by DOP. 

              As Finacle CBS is implemented in DOP, MPKBY/PRSS agents need to prepare bulk list through Web Portal https://dopagent.indiapost.gov.in by using the user name and password. Every MPKBY/PRSS agent will be provided with user name and password.

             Once the agent logons to web portal, all the accounts linked to the particular agent will be displayed. Agents can select multiple accounts by clicking the check box. Search option is also available for selecting the account number with fetch option. Once the accounts are selected, system navigates to the next screen. After completion of the selection, the agent has to select SAVE. The saved accounts will be appeared on the screen. 

               In Cash Mode, if there is no rebate payment or partial default payment, the agent can click on “Pay all saved installments”. 

            If there are default installments, Default fee, if any, will be displayed against the particular account. Suppose if there are three months default, default fee for the 1st defaulted month alone will be displayed. 

            After selecting the accounts, we have to mention the no of total installments (to know default fee or rebate, click the option ‘get rebate & default fee’) and SAVE the same. After clicking on ‘pay all saved installments’, a reference number like C123 will be generated. 

               Agents can take required number of print outs from the “Reports” menu by entering the “Reference Number”. The file can be downloaded either as “PDF” or “XLS”also.

             While adjusting to any changed new scenario, generally we feel nervous. It is quiet natural. At the same time we have to understand that change is inevitable. Our ancestors already proved that Wonders and impossible things are possible because of only two things. They are interest and changing of mindset.

                                           Frequently Asked Questions

1.       What is the maximum and minimum number of accounts in the schedule?

Fifty is the maximum and   minimum is one account.

2.       What is the maximum amount of the schedule?

Maximum amount is Ten thousand. And there is no maximum limit for the cheque accounts ie deposits made, through cheques, issued by the customers.

3.       Can the agent give the schedules beyond ten thousand; say 10050- by foregoing the commission for the excess amount?

NO.  Exact ten thousand should be observed.

4.       Is there any restriction in the submission of number of schedules?

No. Any number of schedules may be given in the day. However each schedule should not be beyond ten thousand.

5.       Is it compulsory to get cheques for each deposit?

Yes. However, the agent can accept one cheque for all deposits of the same depositor.

6.       Can the agent mingle the cash and cheque accounts in one schedule?

NO.

7.       What about new accounts in the schedule?

New accounts, RD Loan, Repayment of RD Loan should be presented separately.

8.       Can the depositor pay the RD installment directly, even though he paid the previous installment through agent?

Yes.  Any account can be accepted in the finacle by delinking or linking from the agent by obtaining a letter from the depositor.

9.       Will the posting be done automatically, by just generating the list itself?

No. the posting will be completed only after upgrading the schedule at post office by using the agent ID and reference number.

10.    Can the agent modify or delete the generated list?

Yes.

11.   Is it compulsory to present the generated list to the post office   on the same day itself?

No. Generated schedules   may be submitted to the Post office on any day, but before           the default date.

12.   What is the care, to be taken about password?

The password will be blocked after entering the wrong pass word for ten times. It will be released only by the data migration command centre (DMCC) by raising a request. The password should also be changed with regular intervals of 180 days for security measures.

13.     How can the agent confirm himself about the upgrading of the schedule?

 He can confirm the upgrading by checking the ledger entries of the account in the net portal.

14.   Can the agent take print outs of the previous schedules?

Yes. The agent can take the printouts in the reports menu by entering the reference id of the schedule.

15.   How can the software calculate the rebate on the deposits of the same account, which appears in the two generated lists?

The rebate will be changed by updating the second list and total eligible rebate will be given in the second list itself.

16.   What is the default calculation of the RD accounts?

For this purpose the accounts were segregated two types ie the accounts opened between first and fifteenth   of the month and between 16th and last day of the month. The deposits made beyond the concerned period will be paid with penalty.

17.   Is there any TDS exemption for the schedules of Rs. 5000- & below?

Yes.

18.   At present schedules, for which agency period is expired, are also being allowed on the basis of collector letter which confirms the extension is under process. Is there the facility in finacle?

NO. Transactions could not be performed by Agents on expiry of Agent License.

19.   Is the PAN card compulsory for opening of SB accounts for agents? Can the agent be allowed with other proof in the place of PAN?

PAN Card is compulsory.  No other proof is allowed.

20.   Is there any change in the present default fee?

Yes. In the finacle software, the default fee for RD account is one rupee for Rs. 100-Dn.

21.   What is the meaning of the term OLD ACCOUNT NUMBER IS NOT ALLOWNED IN CHEQUES?

A new ten digit number, introduced in the place of old account number, should only be used on the cheques.

22.   Is the assals number compulsory in operating the schedule?

No.  The assals number is not compulsory.

23.    How can we see the ledger entries of the account

General details will be  appeared on the display screen. However full details of the account may be found by clicking on the account number.

24.   What is the difference between DSA ID and user id?

Both are same.

25.   What is the meaning of pending, success, failure in generating schedules?

They say the status of the generation of the schedule. However after successful generation of the schedule only, the reference number will be allotted.

26.   What about the commission?

The commission, eligible, will automatically be credited in the SB account of the agent. Hence the Commission should not be deducted from the total amount of the schedules.

27.   Finacle does not allow new accounts in the routine schedules for the first time. Does it mean that the agent will forego the commission for the first month?

No. The commission, for the new accounts also, will automatically be credited into the agent’s SB account.

 Thanks to

Shri. R.V.Raghavarao

System administrator

Ongole HO,  Prakasam Dn.

Vijayawada region, AP

Cell 9440232760

India Post as a banking platform.

India Post has not been granted a banking licence in the current round of allocations. The Reserve Bank’s opinion is that the issue needs more analysis and the Government needs to be consulted.

In view of the fact that commercial banks have recorded high non-performing assets, their earlier efforts at extending financial inclusion cannot be easily replicated.

Therefore, banks could now consider exploring possibilities with post offices, with a spatial reach, a high level of public trust, a wide customer base and generally well respected staff.

Letters from the past

The Indian postal system has an illustrious history tracing back to the origins in the Mauryan era. The modern postal system was established and strengthened by Lords Robert Clive and Warren Hastings and the GPOs in Calcutta, Madras and Bombay were established in 1774, 1786 and 1793, respectively.

As of March 31, 2012, there were 1,54,822 post offices in the country, making it the largest network of its kind in the world, of which 90 per cent were in rural areas. In comparison, at the time of Independence, there were only 23,344 post offices, most of which were in urban areas.

Historically, the first postal account was opened in the UK in 1861 to encourage the poor to save. The same began in India, soon after postal savings banks started — in 1882.

Eventually, by 1896, post offices were the sole savings bank agencies mobilising small savings. They have been in the forefront of offering not only different types of banking facilities such as time and recurring deposits but also offering certificates of different denominations and social security schemes.

In India, there were nearly 24 crore account holders availing postal banking services at the end of March 2012.

In contrast, there were nearly 90 crore deposits and 13 crore credit account holders in commercial banks of which 28 crore deposits and 4 crore credit account holders spread in 35,936 rural branches accounted for 9.4 per cent and 7.9 per cent, respectively of the total amount of deposit and credit of commercial banks.

Financial inclusion

To enhance financial inclusion, post offices with significant presence in rural areas offer promise.

But to achieve that, should India Post metamorphose into a commercial bank or explore possibilities with banks suffering from sagging assets?

Internationally, there are a few countries which have tapped the postal institution for extending financial inclusion.

For instance, in Brazil, financial inclusion got a boost after Brazil Post formed a partnership with financial institutions.

Some countries have even offered a banking licence to their post offices (China, France, Morocco), while in some other countries banking institutions have made working arrangements to offer services through the post offices (Algeria, Italy and the UK).

However, some of the important criticisms against making a bank out of postal institution are lack of technology, different work culture and experience, and staff constraints such as skills, training and computer literacy levels.

In India, the contribution of small savings, despite concerted efforts by the Government since 1951, has been comparatively small compared to deposits with commercial banks, mainly because of the lack of ability to save and financial literacy amongst the segment of the population which banks with post offices.

Converting post offices into banks would not change that situation. Incidentally, nationalisation of banks — in 1955, 1969 and 1980 — was initiated to enhance banking penetration in rural areas, but that did not meet with significant success, given the work culture and skill levels of banking staff.

Saving more

However, the need is to inculcate banking habits in the rural unbanked population. For that existing infrastructure in post offices could be usefully explored successfully in different ways.

Since there are fewer rural bank branches than post offices, the costs of transacting business with banks are fairly high.

Banking services available at post offices, through time-specific extension counters of major commercial banks in the local area or the presence of business correspondents of banks, could reduce such costs and increase banking penetration.

To initiate banking habits with the rural population, post offices could start offering debit cards to account holders of postal bank accounts as well as providing information on those accounts through password protected internet portals.

Post offices could also facilitate use of electronic cards, credit and debit, for postal transactions for not only convenience of the user but also to encourage the use of banking facilities.

This would enhance the financial literacy and awareness of banking services for the unbanked population.

Banks could make arrangements with post offices for dealing with remittances, as recommended by the Rangarajan Committee on Financial Inclusion in 2008. Similarly, banks could be invited to locate their ATM machines in the premises of the post offices.

While the use of plastic currency will make transacting easier and encourage banking habits among the unbanked population, it will also monetise the economy and help bring down the demand for currency notes and scarce coins significantly.

India Post has touched the life of every Indian. To preserve its heritage and extend its glory, post offices need not become banks, but could certainly consider a symbiotic business partnership with commercial banks to enhance financial inclusion and mobilise deposits.

The writer is RBI Chair Professor of Economics, IIM Bangalore

(This article was published on June 5, 2014)

courtesy:http://www.thehindubusinessline.com

CBS Help Desk for India Post; Facilities and Escalation matrix.

Insurance Processing Centres. Following are the details about CBS Help Desk and its escalations matrix.

Helpdesk Model

1.       Who should contact the helpdesk?

•        User

2.       How should the user contact the helpdesk?

•        Phone (1800 103 9474)

•        E-mail (fsidophelpdesk@infosys.com)

3.       What information is required by the helpdesk?

List of questions below will be asked by the helpdesk before creating a ticket.

In the interest of saving time for creating the incident, user to have answers handy for the questions below as applicable.

Primary Questions:

•        Calling from which post-office branch? Caller contact details (email/ phone)?

•        Problem with which application/module/menu item?

•        What is the issue/incident?

•        Is the issue occurring only for you? Or many users / systems affected?

Is the issue business impacting?

•        Is the issue appearing if you login with your user id from another desktop?

•        What is Operating System, Browser version is used?

•        Is the network connectivity to the Data Center up?

•        Have the CBS desktop settings been applied as per the Infosys document circulated

•        User id will be requested over the phone

Optional Questions – If required for Issue:

•        Optional – Menu name, CIF id, SOL id, Account Number may be requested over the phone on need basis.

•        Optional – Screen shots with brief notes may be requested over email, if required.

•        Optional – Sequence of steps while getting this error will be requested over the phone and email.

4.       After Creating an Incident what information you would get from helpdesk? 

Helpdesk will provide the Incident Severity/Priority and SLA hours for giving resolution. This will be tied up with RFP scope as applicable.

5.       How will the helpdesk agent help you resolve your issue on a call?

•        Helpdesk will suggest troubleshooting steps based on issue

•        Help desk will refer ready-reckoner available

6.       What happens if the helpdesk agent cannot resolve your issues while on the call (or if you contact over email)?

•        Help desk will route the trouble ticket to Infosys support

•        Infosys support investigates the ticket and finds solution

•        Infosys support provides solution over e-mail or phone to user

7.       What are the hours of operation for the End-user?

End-user helpdesk -> 08:00 Hrs to 20:00 Hrs (Monday to Saturday)

8.       How can you track the status of your incident?

User tracks incident status via helpdesk E-mail (FSIDOPHELPDESK@infosys.com), Phone (1800 103 9474)

9.       Who will be accountable if Helpdesk is not giving reply?

In this case, user can escalate to the next level as given in the Escalation Matrix.

Escalation for FSI:

Escalation for ECMS:

courtesy:sapost.