Kozhikode: The services of the postal department will soon be available through franchises as well. The new project will be initiated on February 1. Everyone including those who have service centres currently and also those who do not have such centres are eligible to apply for the franchises. 

The franchise scheme is being introduced by the postal department taking into consideration the growing market needs. The franchises will help in collecting goods from customers and in providing other services to them from within short distances. 

Services including speed posts will be provided in franchises. However, franchises will be providing services only inside the country. The franchises which will be set up in shops and other buildings will be known as ‘Linked Offices’.      

The services that will be available in the franchises include money order booking, sales of postal stamps and stationeries, retail services, processing of Electronic Money Orders, and other services. Each franchise will also function as the direct agent of the postal life insurance.

The franchises shall transfer the various goods (including letters) to their designated post offices promptly. They will be eligible for commission.

A franchise can be secured by paying a security deposit of Rs 10,000. The applicant shall be at least 18 years old and should have passed SSLC. They should have computer knowledge, should possess a driving licence and PAN card, and should be well-learned in their respective regional languages.

Setting up franchises is like outsourcing contracts. However, the department maintains that its objectives are widening services and improving its quality.