ON
02 APRIL 2025, we wanted to send some books, clothes, shoes, and chappals
by registered parcel post at the Benson Town Road Sub-Post Office in Miller's Road. However, the biggest disappointment was that they only
allowed parcels up to 20 kg each --- or two separate parcels, each under 20
kg. We were un aware of this strict limitation, which caused
significant inconvenience, forcing us to resize our large parcel into
smaller ones before attempting again.
The
next morning, on 03 APRIL 2025, around 10:30 AM, we reached the same
post office by autorickshaw, only to be informed by the staff that there
was an electricity cut-off due to line repairs, and they would not able to process
our parcel. Though it was raining, we compelled to head to the JC
Nagar Post Office. There, we faced another unexpected hurdle --- we
were only allowed to send three parcels, each below 20 kg. The dealing
clerk (man) advised us to visit the RT Nagar Head Post Office, where there
were no weight restrictions. So, once again, we moved, and finally, we
managed to send all our parcels at a lower rate than both Benson Town
and JC Nagar. This left us wondering: Why do the postal rates differ
across offices? Is it calculated based on the distance between the
sub-office and the head office?
Later
in the evening, we went to the Vasanth Nagar Post Office to send one
last parcel, where we fortunately faced no issue. However, one
incident stood out --- the lady staff’s response to a simple query about
the rate per kg. Instead of providing a clear answer, she snapped:
“You can track it with the tracking number!” --- a rude and
unprofessional response from a public servant. A polite explanation
would have been more helpful and informative, allowing us to
share the information with our friends, who are also preparing to send their
belongings.
Another
frequent question we faced at multiple offices was: “Why are you
coming here instead of going to the nearest post office?”
Further,
one official openly admitted: “We [sub-branches] have a small weighing
machine that can only handle up to 20 kg, and we also have carrier (transport)
issues.”
While
these explanations may be valid, they highlight a bigger problem ---
why should the public struggle between multiple post offices just to send
parcels? Such inefficiencies waste time, money, and effort. The concerned
authorities and the postal department must urgently address
these logistical shortcomings to ensure better service for the public.
Hope these bitter experiences reach their ears and prompt necessary action.
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