Collectors Asked to Shift Branch Post Offices to Panchayat Buildings by December 20

Bhubaneswar: The Panchayati Raj Department has directed all district Collectors to relocate identified Branch Post Offices (BOs) to Panchayat buildings on a rent-free basis to enhance access to postal services in rural areas.

In an official communication, the department referred to a 2005 letter from the Chief Postmaster General, which recommended using government premises such as Anganwadi centres, schools, and health centres as suitable alternatives for housing BOs.

However, progress has been slow. As of November 17, 2025, only 71 of the 573 identified Branch Post Offices have been shifted. The department has urged Collectors to accelerate the process by coordinating with Postal Divisions and other concerned departments, ensuring relocation of the remaining offices by December 20, 2025.

Collectors have also been asked to submit an Action Taken Report to the department and the office of the Chief Postmaster General.