Kolkata, October 9, 2026

 

The Department of Posts, West Bengal Circle, today inaugurated the National Postal Week 2026 at Town Hall, Kolkata, coinciding with the World Post Day. Observed under the global theme “World Post Day: One Postal Network, Infinite Possibilities”, the week-long initiative highlights the expanding role of the postal network, technological integration and citizen-centric service delivery.

The inaugural programme was graced by Shri Ashok Kumar, Chief Postmaster General, West Bengal Circle, and Shri Riju Ganguly, Postmaster General, South Bengal Region, along with representatives of the Prayag Philatelic Society.

A major highlight of the programme was the release of a Special Cover on “Durga Puja: Intangible Cultural Heritage”. An inter-school philatelic fashion show, titled “Philately on the Runway”, featured costume designs inspired by postage stamps. Awards were also presented to the West Bengal Circle winners of the UPU International Letter Writing Competition for Young People 2026.

National Postal Week will feature thematic celebrations across postal divisions. October 9 is being observed as World Post Day, followed by Fun with Philately Day on October 12, Financial Inclusion and CCS Day on October 13, Mails and Parcels Day on October 14, and Technology and Innovation Day on October 15.

Addressing a press conference, Chief Postmaster General Shri Ashok Kumar highlighted the extensive reach of the Department of Posts and its evolving role in public service delivery. He recalled the contribution of postal services during the COVID-19 pandemic and noted the Circle’s continued efforts to expand Aadhaar enrolment and updation services.

He highlighted the integration of modern banking facilities into post offices, including NEFT, RTGS and online banking through postal bank accounts. He also underlined the benefits of Postal Life Insurance, including competitive bonuses, lower premiums, hassle-free claims and insurance offerings designed to provide greater value to policyholders.

The Chief Postmaster General stated that the Department of Posts has one of the world’s largest postal networks. Its extensive reach enables postal personnel to serve communities across India, with the network reaching households in every part of the country. The West Bengal Circle has an average workforce of around 21,000 Dak Sevaks, strengthening last-mile service delivery.

He also highlighted the Department’s transition from traditional postal services to marketing, logistics and expanded doorstep delivery. The Circle is working to reduce the number of intermediaries involved in delivery operations to lower costs and improve efficiency.

The West Bengal Postal Circle has operationalised five Next-Generation (N-Gen) Post Offices, featuring modernised layouts and digital facilities designed to meet contemporary customer needs and attract younger users.

Post offices have been established at educational institutions, including Jadavpur University, IIT Kharagpur, and Haldia Institute of Technology among others. These initiatives are helping introduce students and young people to the range of services offered by the Department of Posts.

The Circle is also organising engaging activities at these locations and encouraging participation through social media reels and other creative formats. The initiative seeks to make post offices more accessible and relevant to GenZ, while fostering renewed interest in philately and letter writing.

The Chief Postmaster General referred to the modernisation of the Kankurgachi Post Office in Kolkata. Four to five more post offices are expected to undergo similar modernisation, further expanding access to contemporary postal services.

Shri Ashok Kumar also mentioned that the Circle is using stamp-related activities to encourage creative engagement among young people and raise awareness about concerns associated with social media.

The West Bengal Postal Circle has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of West Bengal for conducting e-KYC verification under Ayushman Bharat, paving the way for physical Ayushman Bharat cards to be delivered directly to beneficiaries at their doorsteps across the state.

The Circle is also working with the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) on an initiative to deliver Speed Post letters to farmers and landowners. The letters are planned to carry the Chief Minister’s message on solar energy initiatives, their benefits and available subsidy schemes.

Shri Ashok Kumar also highlighted the potential for closer collaboration with the state government to improve public service delivery. The Department is working to facilitate the movement of seeds to farmers and is exploring opportunities to help source agricultural products from West Bengal for international markets.

He noted that products associated with Durga Puja have already found markets abroad, highlighting the potential of the postal network to support wider market access for local products and artisans.

The West Bengal Circle has recorded average daily bookings of approximately 1,000 articles under Speed Post 24 documents and 250 articles under Speed Post 24 parcels, following the rollout of its express delivery services.

The Circle continues to expand Aadhaar enrolment and updation facilities through regular camps and integrated services across post offices. Special attention is being given to underserved areas and schools, particularly for mandatory biometric updation.

Through National Postal Week 2026, the Department of Posts, West Bengal Circle, seeks to showcase the continuing relevance of the postal network in connecting people, supporting financial inclusion, enabling commerce and delivering essential public services. The initiative also highlights the Department’s efforts to modernise post offices, strengthen partnerships and expand its role in the country’s digital and economic development.
 

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SSS/S Saha/KOL/09.10.2026

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