Sending books and postcards as gifts to turn costly this Christmas; services renamed and charges hiked

KOCHI: The postal department has changed the name of many of its services including the one used for sending printed books. Many of the rebranded services have increased fares. 'Printed Book Post', which was used to send printed books and magazines, has been discontinued. These can be sent only as 'Registered Posts' from now on. This will more than double the postage. Registered printed books and registered pattern & sample packet services have also been discontinued.

Postcards should also be sent as registered posts only. The maximum weight of registered letters has been reduced from two kilograms to 500 grams. If the weight is too high, it should be sent as a parcel. The maximum amount of Rs 5,000 that could be sent through electronic money order has been increased to 10,000. There will be only postal orders of Rs 10, 20, 50 and 100 from now on.

Libraries, publishing houses, etc., will no longer have access to low-cost services with the discontinuation of the printed book post service. 21 rupees to send 600 grams will reach 61 rupees.

Services that have been renamed

(new name in brackets)

Registered Periodical (Periodical Post)

Registered Parcel (India Post Parcel Retail)

Business Parcel (India Post Parcel Contractual)

VPP (COD Retail)