JAIPUR: Don't be surprised if you find the khaki-clad postman,
popularly known as dakiya, delivering your designer outfit you ordered
last night from a mega online company.
Products purchased through online by e-commerce websites will now be
delivered by the good-old trusted postman, who has been a familiar
figure known to be handing out money orders and inland and postcards.
Times are changing. One of the e-commerce giants signed an exclusive
town delivery in Jaipur with India Posts starting Thursday.
E-retailers with fast growing business are now rendering services of
postman to deliver their shipments in the least possible time. Under the
agreement, India Post will collect and deliver the orders within 24
hours. However, services will not be available for cash-on-delivery
transactions.
Initially, the services will be available at six pin code areas where
the volume of parcels are very high. Depending on the success rate, the
entire city will be brought under its ambit very soon. To fulfil its
commitment, the department has made arrangements and deputed a dedicated
van.
"We have been doing business with e-commerce companies. But this is
the first time an exclusive town delivery will be started," said chief
postmaster general, DKS Chauhan. He added "This will allow the companies
to use our dedicated manpower while customers will receive their goods
the next day".
Companies like Sanpdeal, Flipkart, Amazon, Naaptol, Yepme have
already tied up with India Post keeping in mind the unparalleled rural
reach.
Meanwhile, the department is looking to strengthen its rural
services. In these areas, postmen will be given handheld devices.
Gadgets will enable them to update information on withdrawal and credit
of cash, receiving signatures from customers on a real time basis.
"In 8,900 post offices, handheld devices will be delivered. However,
in Phase 1, that will roll out in current financial year, about 3,000
post offices will receive it," Chauhan confirmed.
Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
