The Post Office Act, 2023, published on 24th December, repeals The Indian Post Office Act, 1898, and simplifies the legislative framework of India Post.
The Act empowers Central Government to prescribe the services to be provided by the Post Office, and authorizes Director General of Postal Services to make regulations and fix charges for such services.
The Act also provides for delegation of Central Government's powers under this Act to the Director General of Postal Services, either absolutely, or subject to conditions.
The Act provides for the exclusive privilege of India Post in issuing postage stamps, and provides a significantly expanded definition of postage stamp, including in digital form.
The Act empowers Central Government to prescribe standards for address identifiers and postcodes, and to make rules for postal services to foreign territories.
The Act empowers Central Government to authorize any officer to intercept, open or detain any item, in the interest of the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, emergency, public safety, or violation of any law.
The Act also empowers Parliament to review and make any modification to every rule and regulation made under the Act.
You can download the Act text here.
