Panchayat Sanchar Seva Kendras (PSSKs) are opened only in villages with Panchayats. At present, there are 4962 PSSKs in the country (as on 31.3.2009). Many of the villages are covered by either the Branch Post Offices (Bos) or where Bos do not justify by the PSSKs. PSSKs are opened only on initiation of proposals by duly elected Gram Panchayats subject further to fulfilment of stipulated norms. No new PSSKs have been opened during last six years due to non-receipt of justified proposals and non-fulfilment of norms.
The scheme was aimed at augmenting postal network in rural areas. But most PSSKs have been found to be financially non-viable and have not shown desired results after their establishment.
Alternate modes of communication are now available. Therefore, there is fall in demand for postage stamps/ stationery and sale proceeds of most PSSKs are low. Further, PSSK agents do not take interest in the work and Gram Panchayats do not exercise effectively control & supervision over them.
Continuous monitoring of PSSKs is done during inspections and field visits by the officers of the Department of Posts.
This reply was given by Shri Gurudas Kamat, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology in Rajya Sabha today.
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