Phagwara postal ATM to reopen after nearly 2 years
Residents of Phagwara are set to receive a long-awaited respite as the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) installed at the Head Post Office is scheduled to become operational again from August 15.
Introduced in 2015 under the Core Banking Solutions (CBS) initiative to modernise India Post services, the facility had remained non-functional since October 2023, leaving thousands of local account holders — including pensioners and small savers — without convenient access to their funds.
Post Master Pritpal Singh, while speaking to The Tribune, confirmed the revival of the ATM and attributed the prolonged hiatus to technical and administrative issues. “We understand the inconvenience caused to the public. The ATM will resume operations from August 15 and all CBS facilities will be fully functional,” he assured.
The postal ATM is expected to greatly benefit savings account holders, particularly senior citizens and pensioners dependent on timely cash withdrawals. With a transaction cap of Rs 10,000 per withdrawal, the machine will offer essential services such as balance enquiry, mini-statements, fast cash options and fund transfers within postal savings accounts. This step is seen as aligning post office services more closely with those offered by mainstream banks, enhancing both accessibility and user experience.
However, while the ATM’s revival comes as a welcome development, deep-rooted structural issues continue to affect operations at the Phagwara Head Post Office. More than 50 per cent of sanctioned staff positions remain vacant. According to information gathered by The Tribune, 16 out of 32 sanctioned posts — including critical roles like the Public Relations Manager — are lying unfilled. This acute manpower shortage has disrupted the timely delivery of mail and essential communication.
Residents have voiced frustration over missing or delayed mobile phone bills, LIC premium notices, and even traditional correspondence such as greeting cards during festive seasons like Diwali. While digitalisation has improved many services, physical mail remains vital for semi-urban and rural communities. The shortage of postal staff has not only affected public service but has also increased pressure on existing employees.
Currently, only 12 postmen, including four Gramin Dak Sewaks, are handling mail distribution across the city — an insufficient number for Phagwara’s growing population. In an attempt to ease the burden, the Department of Posts offers modest logistical support: a monthly cycle allowance of Rs 180, and Rs 5 per kilometre for those using a two-wheeler like a scooter or motorcycle. However, these allowances do little to mitigate the challenge of covering large service areas with limited resources.
On a more encouraging note, Post Master Singh highlighted the growing popularity of digital and customer-centric initiatives. The e-post service, which allows users to send scanned documents electronically for physical delivery, is slowly gaining acceptance. Meanwhile, the “My Stamp” scheme, which lets individuals personalise stamps with their photographs, continues to attract public interest. Priced at Rs 300 for a sheet of 12 stamps, the service is often used for gifting, event memorabilia, and corporate branding.
Despite these advancements, the persistent staff shortage remains a significant hurdle. As the postal ATM prepares to reopen on Independence Day, there is a sense of cautious optimism among residents. While the move marks a small but significant step toward service restoration, the public hopes it will also serve as a catalyst for addressing deeper systemic issues within the postal department — in Phagwara and beyond.
Jalandhar