INDIA: One less queue for pensioners

DURGAPUR, West Bengal (The Statesman), June 27, 2008: More than 60,000 senior citizens in this industrial town would soon get relief from the long queues in front of the post office counters. By the end of July, the monthly returns from their post office accounts would be transferred directly to their bank accounts ~ thanks to the initiative taken by Bidhannagar Residents’ Association, an NGO working for the welfare of retired men, destitute women and students. Six post offices operating in Durgapur have agreed to credit monthly returns directly to commercial banks against the respective Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) policies of the retired factory workers and government staff in Durgapur. The postal department in an order has asked the post offices to help quicken the process before July. The transfer of the sum will be made through Electronic Clearance System (ECS), which is going to be introduced for the first time in this industrial sub-region. Mr Kobi Ghosh, secretary of the association said: “The postal department has already given their consent through a letter addressed to the MP, Durgapur." Mrs Dipti Banerjee, postmaster, No- 12 post office in Durgapur said: “We have already started working on this. The account holders have been asked to collect mandate forms for the purpose. This will help reducing the burden on post offices in this town.” Mr K Somrajan, regional manager, SBI told The Statesman: “Our branches in Durgapur have also been asked to help in making this system a success. Source: Statesman.net