Kolkata, October 9 (HS): India Post, the world’s largest postal network, is leveraging technology to bring essential services to people’s doorsteps, West Bengal Chief Postmaster General Ashok Kumar said on Friday at the launch of National Postal Week 2026 at Kolkata’s historic Town Hall. He said customers can access up to Rs 10,000 in cash at home through a postman using mobile number verification and biometric authentication.

He said that India Post is rapidly embracing modern technology and keeping pace with the changing world. The department’s services have become so efficient that anyone in need of urgent cash anywhere in the country can simply call India Post. A postman will then visit the person’s home and provide cash of up to Rs 10,000 from their bank account through Aadhaar-enabled biometric authentication using their mobile number and thumb impression, enabling them to access money without leaving home.

The global theme for National Postal Week this year is “World Post Day: One Postal Network, Infinite Possibilities.” The theme highlights the expanding role of the postal department, technological integration and citizen-centric services. The week-long celebrations will feature 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.

Postmaster General of the South Bengal Region Riju Ganguly and representatives of the Prayag Philatelic Society were among the prominent attendees at the inaugural ceremony. A special cover on the theme “Durga Puja – Intangible Cultural Heritage” was released during the event. An inter-school philatelic fashion show titled “Philately on the Runway,” featuring outfits inspired by postage stamps, was also organised. Winners of the West Bengal Circle-level round of the UPU International Letter-Writing Competition 2026 were felicitated on the occasion.

The ceremony also highlighted the strategic achievements of the West Bengal Circle. Keeping the needs of young people and modern consumers in mind, the department has launched five new Next-Generation (N-Gen) post offices equipped with contemporary layouts and digital facilities.

The department has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Bengal government for the e-KYC verification of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries. The initiative will facilitate the delivery of physical cards directly to beneficiaries’ homes.

As part of its efforts to promote environmental sustainability and green energy, the postal network is planning to deliver the Chief Minister’s message to farmers and landowners through Speed Post in collaboration with the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited.

The department has also strengthened its presence in the express logistics sector. In addition, it continues to provide essential citizen services, including Aadhaar enrolment and mandatory biometric updates, through special camps in remote areas and schools.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Santosh Madhup