APS launches Field Postal Order on 35th anniversary
Chandigarh, Mar 1 (UNI) With its motto ''MAIL MILAP'' -- in rain or shine, the soldiers must always get their mail --, the Army Postal Service (APS) has been bringing cheer to the soldiers for 35 years now, as reflected in the popular Hindi film song ''Sandeshe aaten hain...'' Celebrating its 35th anniversary at the Western Command Headquarters at Chandimandir here today, and to mark the occasion, the Corps is launched a new product 'Field Postal Order' (FPOr) to fulfill the long-pending requirement of troops for remittance of their hard earned money at a minimal commission.
The FPOr, purchased from any Field Post Ofiice (FPO), can be encashed from any civil post office or FPO by its bearer. This system would be much more convenient as compared to the existing system of remitting funds through money order or a bank draft.
The APS, an extension of the countrywide Department of Posts to meet the special needs of the Armed Forces, became a separate Corps on March 1, 1972.
Its history dates back to 1856 when the first Field Post Office accompanying the Indian Expeditionary Force was raised initially as a war time organisation. The Jammu and Kashmir operation in 1947-48 brought the necessity to have it as a permanent organisation of the Army.
Army Postal Service plays a significant role in boosting the morale of the troops deployed in inhospitable terrain be it snow capped Himalayas, dense forests of the North-East, the deserts of Western India or UN Peace Keeping Force duties abroad.
The APS personnel have also done commendable job towards betterment of future of troops and their families by means of various small saving schemes and insuring their lives under Postal Life Insurance and advising them on future planning and financial management.
The APS is continuously striving to enlarge its scope and area of functioning to span the entire range of postal services including Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and savings bank. APS is also keeping pace with the modernisation of its operations.
Most of the savings bank, PLI, MO and telegrams transmission work have been provided with Multipurpose Counter Machines (MPCMs). At least 31 Post Offices have been upgraded as Extended Satellite Money Order (ESMO) Stations for instant transmission of money orders through V-SAT.
Besides this, 20 Post Offices are in the process for activation as e-post centres for transmission of e-post articles in the Command.
IN-PCO service, where a jawan can make local/STD calls through Telephone Cards are also available in most of the FPOs.
The Corps has extended the new products and services like Speed Post, Express Post, e-post, Greeting post, Telephone cards and UPSC/Passport application forms to the troops.
Nowadays, fancy greeting cards and latest periodicals are also available through FPOs at an heavy discount to troops and their families.
UNI