1.29 lakh branch post office to be modernised by FY''13: Pilot

New Delhi, Dec 7 (PTI) Over 1 lakh branch post offices will be equipped with IT infrastructure by 2012-13, Parliament was informed today. "About 24,015 departmental post offices have been supplied with computer hardware. The remaining 1,279 departmental post offices and 1,29,497 branch post office of the Department would be equipped with Information Technology infrastructure under ''India Post Technology Project-2012'' by 2012-13," Minister of State for Communications and IT Sachin Pilot said. There were 1,54,866 post offices in the country at the end of March 31, 2011, of which 24,015 are computerised and 12,202 have Internet connectivity, Pilot said in a written reply to Lok Sabha. In reply to another question, he said there were 98 Telegraph offices in the country as on November 30, 2011 and all of them are working on modern technology -- WTMS (Web Based Telegraph Messaging System). To yet another question, Pilot said India Post has signed an agreement with the National Stock Exchange on September 26, 2011, for installation of LCD screens in the post offices that is aimed at creation of financial literacy and awareness leading to financial inclusion. "All expenditure, except electricity charges on setting up of LCD screen in post offices, shall be borne by the NSE," the minister said.